Microbiology Flashcards (6 lecture series)
(11 cards)
Define microbiota
Groups of micro-organisms living in a specific environment.
Define commensal
Living on us without causing harm.
Why is the gut microbiome important?
It is essential to the breakdown of food.
Why are indigenous human commensal bacteria important?
They provide us with protection against harmful environmental bacteria
How do indigenous human commensal bacteria protect us?
They attach to our skin in order to absorb nutrients and survive. By blocking harmful bacteria from accessing our skin, the growth of harmful bacteria is limited.
What are some common human commensal bacteria and where are they found?
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (not actually commensal but found all around us in soil etc.)
- E.coli (found in the colon)
- Staphylococcus sp. (On our skin)
- Streptococcus sp. (Back of throat)
Where is pseudomonas aeruginosa found? What makes it opportunistic?
Found in the soil, can infect burns or wounds.
Where is E.coli found? What makes it opportunistic?
Found in the colon, can infect the urinary tract if they move down from the gut.
Where is streptococcus found? What makes it opportunistic?
Found in the back of the throat, can cause tooth infection where there are cavities.
Where is staphylococcus found? What makes it opportunistic?
Found on the skin, can infect wounds.
What is the difference between a facultative and obligate aerobe?
A facultative aerobe prefers to live in an aerobic environment but can cope with lower levels of oxygen. However, an obligate aerobe REQUIRES an aerobic environment to live.
