How do prokaryotes play a role in human health?
Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that play an essential role in human health.
These organisms are found everywhere, including the human body, and can have a
tremendous impact on our overall health and wellbeing. There are trillions of
microorganisms that inhabit our gut and other parts of our body, and many of these
microorganisms are prokaryotes. The composition of these microorganisms in our
body is collectively referred to as the microbiota or microbiome.
Prokaryotes in the gut help in strengthening the immune system, digestion, and
absorption of nutrients. These microorganisms help in fermenting indigestible fibers
and producing essential amino acids and vitamins that are required for a healthy
body. Some of the bacteria like Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Lactobacillus, and
Bifidobacteria are known to play an essential role in the human gut microbiome.
Apart from the gut, prokaryotes are also found in other parts of the body like the skin
and the vaginal tract, amongst others. They help in regulating the pH and protecting
against harmful organisms such as pathogens. Prokaryotes in the skin help in
preventing skin infections, while those in the vaginal tract help prevent urinary tract
infections and other vaginal infections.
Prokaryotes can also be used as probiotics, which are live microorganisms that have
a beneficial effect on the human body. Probiotics are used to restore the balance of
the microbiota and help in treating various health conditions such as irritable bowel
syndrome, diarrhea, and lactose intolerance.
In conclusion, prokaryotes play a crucial role in human health by regulating various
physiological processes, strengthening the immune system, and preventing
diseases. The study of the human microbiota or microbiome is an emerging field of
study, and further research is necessary to understand the complex relationship
between prokaryotes and human health.
References:
1. Kamada, N., Seo, S. U., Chen, G. Y., & Núñez, G. (2013). Role of the gut microbiota in
immunity and inflammatory disease. Nature Reviews Immunology, 13(5), 321-335.
2. De Vrieze, J. (2018). Prokaryotes: the unseen majority. Nature, 557(7705), S98-S99.
3. Quigley, E. M. M. (2013). Probiotics in gastrointestinal disorders. Current opinion in
gastroenterology, 29(1), 7-11.
4. Marrazzo, J. M. (2015). The vaginal microbiome and women's health. The New England
Journal of Medicine, 373(22), 2149-2159.