User:Estevezj/sandbox/microbiome



A microbiome is the totality of microbes, their genetic elements (genomes), and environmental interactions in a particular environment. The term "microbiome" was coined by Joshua Lederberg, who argues that microorganisms inhabiting the human body should be included as part of the human genome, because of their influence on human physiology. The human body contains over 10 times more microbial cells than human cells. A proposal has been made to classify people by enterotype, based on the composition of the gut microbiome. Three human enterotypes have been proposed.

Microbiomes are being characterized in many other environments as well, including soil, seawater and freshwater systems.

Human microbiome

 * Relationship between microbiota and cancer risk.

Gastrointestinal

 * Commensal relationships in the human gut are important.

Plants
Plant microbiomes have been less intensively studied than intestinal microbes but recent work has highlighted the importance of microbial communities in maintaining plant health.

Systems microbiology

 * HGT and microbiome