Microbiota and Microbes - Vocabulary (Ch. 1-6)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the microbiota lecture notes.

microbiota

All microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that are normally found in the body and can provide benefits.

commensal bacteria

Beneficial bacteria that typically reside in the body; the most studied component of the microbiota.

pathogenic microbes

Microorganisms capable of causing disease; kept in check by other microbiota.

barrier to pathogens

A function of the microbiota that prevents pathogens from entering or limits their replication.

mucosal surfaces

Moist tissues lining body cavities (gut, respiratory, urogenital tracts) where microbiota reside.

gut microbiota

Microorganisms living in the digestive tract; a major focus of study.

urogenital tract microbiota

Microbes present in the vaginal/urinary-genital regions.

respiratory tract microbiota

Microbes living in the respiratory system.

skin microbiota

Microorganisms that inhabit the skin.

immune system training

The process by which microbiota help educate the immune system to recognize what is normal versus foreign.

germ-free mice

Mice raised in a sterile, microbe-free environment (no microbes in or on the body).

autoclaving

Sterilization using high-pressure steam to kill all microbes and keep environments sterile.

antibiotic-treated pregnant mice

Pregnant mice treated with antibiotics to produce offspring that are germ-free or germ-free-like.

reconstitution (of microbiota)

Introducing microbes back into a germ-free organism or environment after sterilization.