Human Microbiome Metagenomics Quiz

A technique for sequencing all genetic material (DNA or RNA) in a sample, including from multiple organisms.

The collection of all microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that live in and on the human body.

Microbial communities differ significantly based on their location in the body.

A major bacterial phylum that is prevalent on human skin.

A dominant bacteria in the vagina, contributing to maintaining its health.

Two dominant bacterial phyla in the human gut, playing key roles in digestion.

A common bacteria found in the mouth, sometimes associated with tooth decay.

Antibiotics can cause significant changes in the composition of the body's microbial communities.

The two most prevalent phyla in the gut microbiome are Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. These phyla contain a wide variety of species that contribute to gut health and function.

Lactobacillus is the dominant genus in the vaginal microbiome. It produces lactic acid, which helps maintain a low pH environment, inhibiting the growth of other microorganisms and keeping the vagina healthy.

The gut environment is primarily oxygen-poor, favoring the growth of anaerobic bacteria. There is a vastly higher ratio of anaerobes (300:1) to facultative (can use oxygen or not) bacteria.

The microbiome undergoes a major shift immediately after birth. This is influenced by delivery mode, with vaginal births leading to different initial colonization compared to C-sections.

Fecal samples are a common and convenient way to analyze the gut microbiome. These samples provide a representative snapshot of the bacterial population in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Circumcision has the potential to alter the penis microbiome by reducing the abundance of certain anaerobic bacteria families like Clostridia and Prevotella.

The colon, the largest part of the large intestine, holds the majority of the human microbiome, accounting for around 70% of the total.

Volatile fatty acids are metabolic byproducts produced by skin bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes. These acids contribute to body odor.

The Human Microbiome refers to all the microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and parasites) that live in and on our bodies. It is a complex ecosystem of trillions of microbial cells.

Microbiota refers to the collection of microorganisms present in a specific environment, like the human body. The Microbiome refers to the collective genes of these microorganisms.

The human body contains approximately 10^13 human cells.

The human body is estimated to harbor 1-3 times the number of microbial cells as human cells, meaning 1-3 x 10^13 microbial cells.

The human genome contains approximately 20,000-25,000 genes. The human microbiome, the genes of all the microbes in our bodies, is estimated to contain around 23,000,000 genes.

The Holobiome is a concept that encompasses both the human genome and the microbiome, acknowledging the interconnectedness and influence of our own genes and the genes of the microbes in our bodies.

The relationship between humans and the microorganisms in our microbiome exists on a spectrum of symbiosis, ranging from mutualism (both benefit) to commensalism (one benefits, the other isn't affected) to parasitism (one benefits at the expense of the other).

The Human Microbiome revolution refers to the surge in scientific research focusing on understanding and studying the microbiome. This research boom is driven by the recognition of the impact of the microbiome on human health and disease.

The Human Microbiome Revolution was sparked by advancements in sequencing technology, making it possible to identify and analyze the diverse microbial communities within the human body.

The Human Microbiome plays a crucial role in numerous aspects of health, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and protection against pathogens.

The Human Microbiome is studied using a variety of techniques, including sequencing of microbial DNA (16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomics), culturing microbial isolates, and studying microbial function through metabolomics and metaproteomics.

Animal models are crucial in studying the human microbiome as they enable controlled experiments and investigation of complex interactions that are challenging to study in humans.

Researchers are exploring fundamental questions about the human microbiome, such as: Who are the microorganisms present? What functions do they perform? How did the microbiome develop throughout human evolution? How does the microbiome change over time? How do findings in animal models translate to humans?

The first three years of life are crucial for establishing and shaping the gut microbiome.

Milk type, environmental exposure, and disturbances like antibiotics or pets can alter the colonization process of the gut microbiome.

The composition of microbial communities in the body changes over time, influenced by major life events such as diet changes, travel, illness, or pregnancy.

After initial fluctuations, the microbiome often reaches a stable state, with a consistent set of dominant species.

A small subset of highly abundant bacteria forms the core of a stable microbiome, making up the majority of the community.

The saliva microbiome can also exhibit long-term stability, with a consistent set of dominant species.

Small study groups can limit the ability to draw strong conclusions about general microbiome patterns.

Extensive data collection and analysis over time are essential to understand complex microbiome dynamics and health implications.

The method by which a baby is born. This can either be vaginal delivery or Cesarean section.

The specific location within the mother's body where the baby's microbiome is being studied. Examples include the oral mucosa, vagina, and skin.

The process of change in the composition of the baby's microbiome over time. It starts with facultative anaerobes (like Enterobacteriaceae and Bifidobacteria), followed by obligate anaerobes, and eventually reaches an adult-like microbiota.

A type of bacteria that can live with or without oxygen. They are often found in the baby's gut in the early stages of development.

A type of bacteria that only survives in environments without oxygen. They become predominant in the baby's gut after a few months.

The process of how the baby's microbiome changes over time. This can be influenced by factors like the delivery method and the mother's microbiome.

The potential consequences of changes in the baby's microbiome for their health. This can include impacts on the development of the immune system, digestion, and overall well-being.

Research studies that follow a group of individuals over time to track how their microbiome changes. This helps understand the long-term effects of different variables on microbiome development.

Axenic mice are completely germ-free, meaning they have no microbes living on or inside their bodies.

Gnotobiotic mice have a known and controlled microbiota, meaning scientists know exactly which microbes are present. Axenic mice have no microbes at all.

These models help researchers understand the causal relationship between microbes and health outcomes. They allow researchers to control and manipulate the microbiota to study its effects.

A holobiont is a combination of a host organism and its associated microbiota, working together as a single functional unit.

The human microbiome refers to the collection of genes of all microbes present within and on the human body, while the human microbiota refers to the collection of these microbial cells themselves.

Our gut microbes play key roles in our health, including training our immune system, helping us digest food, protecting us from pathogens, and influencing disease development.

Researchers are investigating the microbes present in the human microbiome, their functions, how they become established, how they change over time, and how to apply findings from animal studies to human health.

The study aims to investigate the role of gut microbiome in health and disease, with a specific focus on the interplay between gut microbes and their regulating phages.