What is a microbiome?
Quick Answer
A microbiome is the community of microorganisms living in a particular environment, such as the human gut, soil, or ocean. It also often refers to the collective genetic material of those microbes.
The Full Story
A microbiome includes bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic life in a defined habitat. In humans, the gut microbiome is the best known, but microbiomes also exist in soil, water, plants, and built environments. Researchers study microbiomes because they can affect digestion, immunity, and nutrient cycling. The term became widely used in the 21st century as DNA-based methods made it easier to identify complex microbial communities.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The invisible ecosystems living all around us"
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