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# 6 Quiz

We hope that you have enjoyed studying about the fascinating subject of the gut microbiome! Below are a series of questions for you to assess your understanding and knowledge gained while studying this OpenLearn course.

## Question 1 Microbiomes

Select from the drop-down lists to complete the following paragraph.

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## Question 2 Bacterial profiles

Select the two correct statements from the following:

Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the most abundant bacteria in the gut microbiome
Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are the most abundant bacteria in the gut microbiome
An individual’s unique community of bacterial groups is known as their enterotype
Most individuals have a similar profile of bacteria in their gut microbiomes

## Question 3 Functions of the gut microbiome

One of the important functions of the gut microbiome is digestion of foods, in particular certain fibres. This results in the production of metabolites, which are then used by the human host. An important group of metabolites are short chain fatty acids. Select which of the following are functions of SCFAs.

Protect against dysbiosis
Destroy colorectal cancer cells
Regulate appetite
Reduce obesity
Provide energy for the body and other microbiota
Communicate with the brain

## Question 4 Dysbiosis

There are three main mechanisms which cause dysbiosis. Select from the drop-down lists to describe each mechanism.

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## Question 5 Health

Several health conditions have been linked to dysbiosis, and a change in diversity of the microorganisms of the gut microbiome. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes is thought to be particularly important in health. Drag the correct statement to the matching description.

Balanced ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes

Healthy individual

Increase in Firmicutes compared to Bacteroidetes

Obese individual

Increase in Bacteroidetes relative to Firmicutes

Individual with Crohn’s disease

Using the following two lists, match each numbered item with the correct letter.

1. Balanced ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes

2. Increase in Firmicutes compared to Bacteroidetes

3. Increase in Bacteroidetes relative to Firmicutes

1. 1

   Healthy individual

2. 2

   Obese individual

3. 3

   Individual with Crohn’s disease

The correct answers are:

- 1 =
- 2 =
- 3 =

## Question 6 Exercise

Exercise is well known for having both physical and mental health benefits. Identify the true statements from the following:

Certain metabolites made by the gut microbiome have been linked to increased motivation to exercise
Certain metabolites made by the gut microbiome have been linked to improved exercise performance
The bacterial species Veillonella has been shown to increase the amount of lactate athletes can tolerate
The benefits of exercise on microbiome health are pronounced in childhood
Exercise is known to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and Crohn’s disease

## Question 7 Obesity

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition linked to a wide range of genetic and non-genetic factors, including environmental, lifestyle, socioeconomic and psychological factors. Select from the drop-down lists to complete the following paragraph.

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## Question 8 Medications

Antibiotics are given for the treatment of bacterial infections and have undoubtably saved millions of lives worldwide. The graph below shows research investigating gut bacterial diversity before and after taking a course of antibiotics. The key in the graph indicates the type of antibiotic used.

Figure 32 Antibiotic perturbation of gut microbiomes in healthy volunteers

Looking at the graph, which of the following statements is correct?

The lines on the graph suggest that antibiotic use does not seem to impact bacterial diversity
Prior to antibiotic use, species richness fluctuates but remains below 45
Three days after antibiotic use, species richness has decreased
Six days after antibiotic use, species richness has returned to normal levels

## Question 9 Age

The graph below illustrates gut microdiversity over a typical human lifespan. The graph explores stability (i.e. whether the gut microbiome experiences lots of changes) and also gut diversity (i.e. the proportions of different types of bacteria in the gut microbiome). Look carefully at the graph and then answer the following questions.

Figure 33 Human gut microbiome composition across the life cycle

From examining the graph, determine whether the following statements are true or false.

The pie charts show there are no changes in gut diversity over the lifespan

True
False

The gut microbiome is least stable in neonates

True
False

The stability of the gut microbiome decreases in the transition from adult to elderly life

True
False

## Question 10 Diet

A balanced diet helps provide nutrients for the gut microbiome and the host. Select from the drop-down lists to describe the following food items.

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Now consider the diets which typically incorporate these food items, and complete the sentences below.

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OpenLearn - The gut microbiome – balancing the body
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