The Human Microbiome

Practice: Scientists commonly call humans “superorganisms”. What is this description referring to?

a) Humans are the most intelligent and influential organisms on the planet.

b) Each human is an ecosystem for trillions of microorganisms.

c) Humans are the only organisms that determine the success of other organism species.

d) Each human is host to a unique species of microorganism.

Practice: Which of the following answers does not include an example of transient microbiota?

Practice: Which of the following influences the types and amounts of microorganisms found in and on your body?

Practice: Recent research suggests that babies born via cesarean section are more at risk for developing allergies. Why might this be?

Practice: Newborn babies acquire the microbes of their microbiota by:

Practice: Which of the following is not a way in which our microbiome helps protect our bodies from pathogens?

Practice: Certain antibiotics inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus species of bacteria. Adult women who take these antibiotics commonly have vaginal yeast infections following their antibiotic treatments. . Which of the following statements about the Lactobacillus bacteria and yeast of the vagina is false?

Practice: The "hygiene hypothesis" proposes that during childhood:

Practice: Which of the following is true about how the microbes of our microbiome help maintain our health?

Practice: Humans do not possess the enzymes required to break down most dietary fibers found in whole grains, beans, and vegetables. However, some fiber can be digested in our guts. How does this happen?