The useful idea
- A community of microbes
A microbiome (from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós) 'small' and βίος (bíos) 'life') is the community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in any given habitat.
- Living members
The microbiota consists of all living members forming the microbiome.
- Many members interact
Most microbiome researchers agree bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and small protists should be considered as members of the microbiome.
Why this matters
Use Microbiome to ask clearer questions; personal health decisions still belong with a qualified professional.
Try this
Use Microbiome to ask clearer questions; personal health decisions still belong with a qualified professional.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Microbiome?
- Living members
- A community of microbes — correct
- Many members interact
A microbiome (from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós) 'small' and βίος (bíos) 'life') is the community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in any given habitat.
General education only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.