The Human Microbiome and Host–Microbe Interactions
Big idea: This Grade 12 capstone connects microbiota, microbiome, dysbiosis, microbial metabolite, colonization resistance to evaluate complex biological systems through evidence, uncertainty, responsible inference and real-world application.
Learning goals
- microbiota
- microbiome
- dysbiosis
- microbial metabolite
- colonization resistance
Core concepts
The community of microorganisms living in a defined habitat such as the human intestine.
The microorganisms, their genomes, products and environmental context considered as an interacting system.
A community shift associated with disrupted function, without implying that one universal healthy composition exists.
A molecule produced or transformed by microbes that can affect host cells locally or systemically.
Protection provided by resident microbes that limits establishment or expansion of invading organisms.