BIOL 223: Topic 9 - The Human Microbiome and Health

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the human microbiome, its components, health implications, and relevant diseases.

Human Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms living in and on the human body.

Microbiota

The community of microorganisms that inhabit a particular environment.

Resident Microbes

Microorganisms that permanently reside in a specific habitat.

Transient Microbes

Microorganisms that temporarily inhabit a particular environment.

Bacteroidetes

A major phylum of bacteria found in the gut, key for digesting complex carbohydrates.

Firmicutes

A phylum of bacteria that includes many important genera and is dominant in the human gut.

Actinobacteria

A phylum of bacteria, some members of which are important for human health.

Proteobacteria

A major phylum of bacteria that includes many pathogens.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host.

Prebiotics

Non-digestible food components that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Synbiotics

A combination of probiotics and prebiotics that enhance their health benefits.

Diphtheroids

A group of bacteria commonly found on the skin, such as Propionibacterium.

Malassezia

A genus of yeast commonly found on human skin.

Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

Fatty acids with fewer than six carbon atoms that are produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers.

Fecal Microbiota Transplant

A procedure that transfers fecal bacteria from a healthy individual to a patient to restore gut flora.

Metagenomics

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.

Crohn's Disease

An inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

A term for chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Meninigitis

An infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Sepsis

A life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to infection causes injury to its tissues.

Biofilm

A collection of microbial cells that are attached to a surface and embedded in a self-produced matrix.

Bacterial Vaginosis

A condition characterized by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.

Lactobacillus

A genus of bacteria that is beneficial to human health, especially in the gut and vagina.

Nutrient Absorption

The process of how the body takes in nutrients from food after digestion.

Microhabitats

Specific small environments within a larger ecosystem that provide unique conditions for certain microorganisms.

Flora

Refers to the plant life in a particular region, but often used to describe microbial populations.

Inflammation

A biological response to harmful stimuli, which may involve redness, heat, swelling, and pain.

Vaginal Microbiota Transplant

A procedure involving the transfer of healthy vaginal microbiota to treat imbalances.

Gut Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract.

Human Microbiome Project

An initiative aimed at understanding the human microbiome and its connection to health.

Obesity

A complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat, often linked to an imbalanced microbiota.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes linked to gut health.