The gut microbiome includes organisms and their functions.

Question

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The statement under consideration is about the gut microbiome and what it encompasses.
Option 1 (True): This view is supported by current microbiome science: the gut microbiome includes the community of microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi) that reside in the digestive tract, as well as the functions they perform (such as nutrient metabolism, fermentation, and immune modulation). In other words, it covers both the organisms themselves and the activities they carry out, which can be studied through metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and functional assays.
Option 2 (False): Claiming that the gut microbiome does not include organisms or their functions would conflict with established definitions. If one argues only about genes or only about outcomes without reference to the organisms, they would be addressing a narrower concept (e.g., gene content or metabolic potential) but not denying that organisms and their functions are part of the microbiome’s scope. The statement as written, however, properly aligns with the broad definition that includes both microbial inhabitants and the roles they play.
In summary, proponents of the broader view emphasize that the microbiome is not just a list of species but a complex system comprising both the microbial residents and the functions they contribute to gut physiology and health, whereas a narrower interpretation risks omitting either component. The second option would be misrepresenting the scope by excluding these elements, which is why it is inaccurate in this context.

2025SP-FSHN-150-001 Week 15 Quiz

The gut microbiome includes organisms and their functions.

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