Microorganisms and size
What does microscopic mean?
Too small to be seen with the naked eye.
What are all living things made of?
Cells.
About how many microorganisms are in the human microbiome?
Around 100 trillion.
What can harmful bacteria cause?
Infection.
What is the purpose of a fecal transplant?
To restore healthy bacteria in the gut.
Are all organisms visible without a microscope?
No, many organisms are microscopic.
Are almost all cells microscopic?
Yes.
Where are most of the microorganisms in the human body found?
In the gut.
What do helpful bacteria do in the gut.
Help protect against harmful bacteria.
How can fecal transplants cure infections?
By adding helpful bacteria that outcompete harmful ones.
Which is bigger, a cell or a molecule?
A cell.
What tool do you need to see most cells.
A microscope.
What does the human body provide for microorganisms?
Food and space.
What happens when helpful bacteria are reduced?
Harmful bacteria can grow more easily.
Why do harmful bacteria make someone sick?
They disrupt the balance of the microbiome.
Why cant we see most microorganisms?
They are extremely small and require a microscope.
Why are cells considered the basic unit of life?
All living things are made of them.
What is the microbiome?
The community of microorganisms living in and on the human body.
Why does losing helpful bacteria create more risk?
More food and space becomes available for harmful bacteria.
What does a healthy microbiome prevent?
Harmful bacteria from taking over.
What is a microorganism?
A living organism that is too small to see without a microscope.
What makes cells larger than molecules?
Cells contain many molecules inside them.
Why is a diverse microbiome important?
It helps keep harmful bacteria from taking over.
What can antibiotics accidently reduce?
Both helpful and harmful bacteria.
Why might someone with fewer helpful bacteria get infected more easily?