A microbiome is the totality of microbes, their genetic elements (genomes), and environmental interactions in a particular environment. The term "microbiome" was coined by Joshua Lederberg, who argued that microorganisms inhabiting the human body should be included as part of the human genome, because of their influence on human physiology. The human body contains over 10 times more microbial cells than human cells, although the entire microbiome only weighs about 200 grams (7.1 oz), with some weight estimates ranging as high as 3 pounds (approximately 48 ounces or 1,400 grams). Some consider it to be a "newly discovered organ" since its existence was not generally recognized until the late 1990s and it is understood to potentially have overwhelming impact on human health. Modern DNA testing of their residues has enabled researchers to find the majority of these microbes, since they do not culture easily in a lab. Its most important aspect may be its possible effect on auto-immune diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and perhaps some cancers. Common obesity might also be aggravated by a poor mix of microbes in the gut. Since some of the microbes in our body can modify the production of neurotransmitters known to be found in the brain, we may also find some relief for schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and other neuro-chemical imbalances.
Microbiomes are being characterized in many other environments as well, including soil, seawater and freshwater systems. It has been suggested that microbes have had a symbiotic relationship with other organisms since complex creatures first appeared on Earth.
To avoid confusion, it should be noted that the microbes being discussed are generally non-pathogenic (do not cause disease unless they grow abnormally) They exist in harmony and symbiotically with us.
Some researchers have learned that much of the population of microbes found in the human body are not bacteria, but a very old class of single-celled organisms called archaea.
Read more about Microbiome: Introduction, Case Studies, Human Microbiome, Hologenome Theory of Evolution, Projects, Conclusion, See Also