Question

The human microbiome

a. can protect the host organism from pathogens.
b. can provide metabolic pathways beyond those encoded in the host genome.

c. can be altered by treatment with probiotics.

d. has been linked to diabetes.

e. Alloftheabovearetrue.

Answer 1

Let’s discuss each option one by one-

Option (a) – Microbiota in human gut is known to prevent dangerous microbes (pathogens) from causing disease by both passive and active means. The diverse microbial ecosystem in human intestines plays a crucial role in the prevention and resolution of infectious diseases. Therefore, option (a) is TRUE.

Option (b) - The human gut microbiome encodes for the biosynthesis and transformation of several compounds that are important for both microbial and host physiology. It has been found that human genome does not encode for all the enzymes necessary for the break down complex proteins and complex carbohydrates. So as these molecules move down the digestive tract, they are broken down by the enzymes encoded by the microbes found in human colon. Therefore, we see that microbes in human microbiome can provide metabolic pathways beyond those encoded in the host genome. Hence option (b) is TRUE.

Option ( c ) – We know that probiotics may induce changes in the intestinal microbiota and stabilize microbial communities. Treatment with probiotics can restore the composition of the gut microbiome and introduce beneficial functions to gut microbial communities. Therefore, option ( c ) is also TRUE.

Option (d) – We know that human microbiome has been linked with diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome etc. Therefore, option ( d ) is also TRUE.

Option ( e ) – From the above discussion we see that all of the above options are TRUE about human microbiome. Therefore, your answer is ( e ) i.e. All the above are TRUE.

Thanks!