Microbiota
Microbiota
Microbiota (pronounced: /ˌmaɪkroʊbaɪˈoʊtə/) is a term used to describe the community of microorganisms that inhabit a particular environment or ecosystem. These microorganisms, which include bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa and algae, collectively form a complex and dynamic ecosystem that plays a crucial role in the health and disease of their host.
Etymology
The term "microbiota" is derived from the Greek words "micros" meaning small and "bios" meaning life. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the microorganisms that inhabit a specific environment.
Related Terms
- Microbiome: The collective genomes of the microorganisms in a microbiota. The microbiome represents the function of the microbiota, as it includes all the genes that these microorganisms can express.
- Microflora: An older term for microbiota, which is now considered outdated as it implies that the microorganisms are all plants.
- Gut microbiota: The microorganism population living in our intestine. It contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria.
- Dysbiosis: A term for a microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body, such as an impaired microbiota.
- Probiotics: Live bacteria and yeasts that are good for health, especially the digestive system. They help keep the gut healthy by maintaining a healthy balance of microbiota.
- Prebiotics: Substances that induce the growth or activity of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi) that contribute to the well-being of their host.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microbiota
- Wikipedia's article - Microbiota
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