Core and Flexiible Microbiota (IMAGE)

University of California - Berkeley

Core and Flexiible Microbiota

Caption

As this schematic illustrates, we all have microbes in our guts: our microbiota. Michael Shapira proposes that not all microbes are the same. Some, core microbes, are important for our existence and evolution, and may even be passed down to our offspring. In addition, a flexible pool of microbes -- members of which can be exchanged with similar microbes in the environment -- is available to assist our survival and adaptation in the face of environmental changes.

Credit

Michael Shapira/UC Berkeley

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