Question

An example of a microbiome function is a. nitrogen fixation. b. methane oxidation. c. the production of particular metabolites. d. All of the above are microbiome functions. e. Only b and c are microbiome functions.

Short answer

The correct answer is 'd. All of the above are microbiome functions.' since all the listed options represent functions that are carried out by microbiomes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the choices

Firstly, understand what each choice implies: \n a. Nitrogen fixation: this is a process by which nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere is converted into a form that plants and other organisms can use. \n b. Methane oxidation: this is the process by which methane is converted to a less harmful substance, like carbon dioxide. \n c. The production of particular metabolites: metabolites are the end products of metabolism, it refers to the creation of specific substances. \n d and e. These involve recognizing and categorizing the previous definitions as microbiome functions.

Decide if 'a' is a microbiome function

Microorganisms that contribute to nitrogen fixation include bacteria and archaea, so 'a' (nitrogen fixation) is a microbiome function.

Decide if 'b' is a microbiome function

Methane-oxidizing bacteria, also known as methanotrophs, involve in Methane oxidation. Hence, 'b' (Methane oxidation) can be classified as a microbiome function.

Decide if 'c' is a microbiome function

Various metabolites in the body are produced by the gut microbiota, this implies 'c' (the production of particular metabolites) is a microbiome function.

Evaluate options 'd' and 'e'

Given that all options 'a', 'b', and 'c' are microbiome functions, then the correct option is 'd' – all of the above are microbiome functions.

Key concepts

Nitrogen Fixation

In the natural world, nitrogen is a fundamental element for life, as it's a building block of DNA and proteins. Despite its abundance in the atmosphere, most organisms can't use it in its gaseous form, N₂. Here enters the vital process known as nitrogen fixation, where certain microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea, convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia (NH₃), a form that plants can absorb and use to make organic compounds.

These microorganisms are often associated with the roots of leguminous plants (such as beans and peas) in structures called nodules. However, nitrogen fixation can also occur independently in the soil. Through this symbiotic relationship, plants provide carbohydrates to the microbes, and in exchange, the microbes supply the plants with usable nitrogen. This co-operation is a cornerstone of the nitrogen cycle and is essential for the productivity of agricultural systems.

Understanding the significance of nitrogen fixation in the microbiome helps explain one of the essential functions these microscopic life forms play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting plant growth.

Methane Oxidation

Methane (CH₄) is known as a potent greenhouse gas, with an impact on global warming far greater than carbon dioxide on a per-molecule basis. Methane oxidation is a crucial microbiome function where certain bacteria, called methanotrophs, convert methane into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). While this may seem like trading one greenhouse gas for another, CO₂ is significantly less potent, and thus the process reduces the overall impact of greenhouse gases on the atmosphere.

Methanotrophic bacteria can be found in various environments, including soils, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. By controlling levels of methane, these microorganisms play an essential role in regulating Earth's climate. Research into harnessing and enhancing methane oxidation through biotechnology is an area of intense interest, given its vast potential for reducing the effects of climate change.

Metabolite Production

Metabolites are diverse molecules that are end products or intermediates of metabolism. In the context of microbiome functions, metabolite production is a profound service rendered by the trillions of microbes that inhabit the human gut. These microbial metabolites include vitamins, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amino acids, and many other compounds crucial for maintaining health.

Take SCFAs, for example. They are produced through the fermentation of dietary fibers and have various positive effects on human health, such as providing energy to intestinal cells, regulating immune function, and even influencing brain health. The gut microbiome is also involved in synthesizing certain vitamins like vitamin K and some B vitamins that can be deficient in our diets.

The production of metabolites hints at the significance of maintaining a healthy and balanced microbiome. It affects not just digestive health but has far-reaching impacts on overall well-being, highlighting another remarkable facet of how microorganisms support life.