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The invisible power of microbes: Why do we have more bacteria than cells in our bodies?
Trillions of microorganisms live within our bodies. These tiny organisms not only shape our health, but also change our understanding of ourselves and life. While we often think of ourselves as being made up of many cells, these bacteria and other microorganisms may actually outnumber our own cells and are closely related to our health.
Research shows that the diversity of the human microbiome is closely related to health status. These microorganisms help digest food, synthesize vitamins, and regulate the immune system.
The nature of the microbiome
Microbiota refers to a series of microorganisms that exist in and on the surface of all multicellular organisms, including bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and viruses. These microorganisms are critical for host immune, endocrine, and metabolic homeostasis. The microbiome describes the collective genome of these microorganisms or themselves in the ecological environment. The gut microbiota of humans and other multicellular organisms helps us understand the coevolution between multicellular organisms and bacteria.
The relationship between microorganisms and hosts
The relationships between microorganisms and their hosts vary and can be divided into three main categories: mutualistic, commensal, and parasitic. In a mutualistic relationship, the microorganisms benefit the host; in a parasitic relationship, the microorganisms cause harm to the host. Under normal circumstances, the microbiome is considered normal flora, which are microorganisms that live in our bodies and do not cause disease, and sometimes even resist disease.
The human microbiome incorporates about 39 trillion microorganisms, which is almost equal to the number of our own cells, and their mass only accounts for about 0.2 kilograms of the human body.
Acquisition and changes of microorganisms
Animals acquire their microbiota at birth, and plant microbiota can be transmitted through the seeds or roots of rice grains. The combination of microorganisms changes with the host, which can be obtained clinically through methods such as fecal microbial transplantation to treat diseases such as chronic Clostridium difficile infection.
Diversity of human microorganisms
The human microbiome includes a variety of bacteria, fungi, archaea and viruses. Recent research shows that the microorganisms in the human body may be closely linked to the health status of the host. For example, specific microorganisms can influence future immune system responses early in life. These microorganisms play an important role in the host's immune system and intestinal health through their metabolites.
The relationship between non-human animals and microorganisms
Many non-human animals also have their own microbiomes. For example, some amphibians can carry new types of fungi on their skin, and these microbiota can help them fight disease. Mal seahorse pups rely on their mother's microbes to help build their immune systems. Herbivorous mammals, such as cattle, rely on the microbiota in their rumens to digest cellulose and convert it into nutrients that can be used.
The role of plant microorganisms
The plant's microbiome starts from the seed, and the microorganisms in it will enter different parts of the plant as it grows. Microorganisms enrich the plant's living environment with the nutrients they provide and assist the plant's healthy growth throughout the growth stages.
Research and future prospects
The symbiotic relationship between microbes and their hosts continues to be studied, and scientists hope to shed more light on how these microbes affect the host's immune system and health. In the future, through more comprehensive research and technology, we may be able to gain a deeper understanding and develop new treatments to improve the health of humans and pets.
The relationship between humans and microorganisms is so intricate. Do we really understand the impact of these invisible friends on our lives?
