Question

​the gastrointestinal microbiome is comprised primarily of

Answer 1

The gastrointestinal microbiome primarily consists of a diverse community of bacteria, with the largest microbiota residing in the large intestine. These microorganisms aid in digestion, produce essential vitamins, and protect against infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gastrointestinal microbiome is comprised primarily of a diverse array of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses. Primarily, it consists of bacteria belonging to the genera Bacteroides, Clostridium, Fusobacterium, Eubacterium, Ruminococcus, Peptococcus, Peptostreptococcus, and Bifidobacterium. These organisms are essential for the digestion process, production of certain vitamins, prevention of pathogenic infection, and overall gut health. The largest natural microbiota can be found in the large intestine or colon, which facilitates a variety of functions including fermentation of undigested food and the production of vital nutrients such as vitamin K and some B vitamins.

Alterations to this microbial community, be it through antibiotics, diet changes, or the introduction of pathogens, can upset the delicate balance and lead to gastrointestinal issues. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for efficient digestion, nutrient production, and protection against infections.

Answer 2

The gastrointestinal microbiome is comprised primarily of bacteria. The primary function of this is digestion of indigested food substrates. The number of bacterial cells in human outnumber the human tissue cell by 10 to 1. The digestive function of bacteria in cattle are critical to digestion and positively impact production performance.