Asked by Michaela Elise on May 08, 2024
Verified
There are more microbial cells than human cells in your body, and the health of this microbiota clearly influences human well-being. How many microbes are there?
A) For every cell in your body, there are ten microbial cells.
B) For every cell in your body, there are one hundred microbial cells.
C) For every cell in your body, there are one thousand microbial cells.
D) For every cell in your body, there are ten thousand microbial cells.
Microbial Cells
Cells belonging to microorganisms, which include bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protists, often found in every environment on Earth.
Microbiota
The community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit various environments like the human body, contributing to health and disease.
- Understand the influence of the human microbiome on health and illness.
Verified Answer
SR
Salma RamirezMay 15, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Recent estimates suggest that for every human cell in the body, there is roughly an equal number of microbial cells, making the ratio closer to 1:1. However, the previously widely cited ratio was about 10:1 (microbial cells to human cells), which is why option A is considered correct in the context of common understanding and discussions around this topic.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the influence of the human microbiome on health and illness.