Question 1

Which part of the digestive system contains the highest density of microbes?

Accepted Answer

Large intestine

Question 2

What is the primary scientific technique used to study the composition of the human microbiome?

Accepted Answer

16S rRNA gene sequencing

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the term 'microbiome'?

Accepted Answer

The collection of all microbial genes in a particular environment

Question 4

How is the human microbiota primarily acquired?

Accepted Answer

From the environment, diet, and during birth

Question 5

Which of the following is a function of the gut microbiota?

Accepted Answer

Regulation of immune function

Question 6

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is most commonly used to treat which disease?

Accepted Answer

Clostridioides difficile infection

Question 7

Which of the following best differentiates prebiotics from probiotics?

Accepted Answer

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial bacteria; probiotics are live beneficial bacteria

Question 8

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates bacteriotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Transplanting healthy bacteria to restore gut flora

Question 9

What is a potential consequence of a disrupted gut microbiota?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of infections and metabolic disorders

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the relationship between obesity and the microbiota is correct?

Accepted Answer

Obese individuals have a less diverse gut microbiota compared to lean individuals

Question 11

A patient receives a fecal transplant to treat a recurrent infection. Which process is most directly involved in the success of this therapy?

Accepted Answer

Restoration of microbial diversity

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a way the microbiota is maintained in the human gut?

Accepted Answer

Regular antibiotic use

Question 13

Which equation best represents the calculation of microbial diversity in a sample using the Shannon index?

Accepted Answer

$H = -\sum_{i=1}^{S} p_i \log p_i$

Question 14

A researcher wants to compare the microbiota of two individuals. Which method would provide the most comprehensive data?

Accepted Answer

16S rRNA gene sequencing

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-life example of a prebiotic?

Accepted Answer

Inulin found in chicory root

Question 16

Which of the following best defines 'microbiota'?

Accepted Answer

The collection of all microorganisms living in a specific environment

Question 17

A patient with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection is treated with bacteriotherapy. What is the most likely outcome?

Accepted Answer

Restoration of healthy gut microbiota and resolution of infection

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible mechanism by which gut microbiota can influence host metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation of dietary fibers to produce short-chain fatty acids

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of fecal transplantation?

Accepted Answer

Transfer of stool from a healthy donor to a patient to restore gut microbiota

Question 20

Which of the following is a common misconception about probiotics?

Accepted Answer

They are always beneficial for everyone

Study Guide: Microbiota and the Human Digestive System

Study Guide - Practice Questions