Hi Everyone, today we will be diving into a big idea from the AP biology course i am taking: Information Storage and Transmission. I wanted to research how gut microbiomes would be able to connect with this because at this moment i havent really been able to think about any ways it could connect. I will do my research then come back to share. I will update you later on. Talk to you guys soon! – 3:00 PM
-5:36 PM: I did it!!! there is actually many ways in which gut microbiomes can connect to this big idea, let me not talk alot and lets get into the research that i found.
What is IST?
Living Systems (like us and the bacteria in our gut) store,retrieve, transmit and repsond to information thats essential for life processes. So lets talk about how this whole process works in our gut.
Genetic Data for Continuity: All the instructions required to create our unique identities are encoded in our DNA. It is the same with our intestinal area. Their genetic makeup plays apart in their growth, reproduction, and survival.
Nonheritable Transmission of Information: Not all information is inherited and passed on. A portion of it spreads by different routes, affecting cellular behavior both inside and across cells. For example, our gut microbes react to different diets by altering their activity. This is a direct reaction to the food (information) we provide them, not something inherited through DNA.
Let us try and connect this to what we learnt in Day 1 and Day 2:
Natural Selection and Genetic Information: Natural selection is extremely dependent on genetic information that is held in our gut microbiome. The bacteria that helps improve our digestion and aids in the defense against pathogens have a higher chance of reproducing. These beneficial characteristics are inherited across time, strengthening the gut microbiome.
Genetic Variation for Evolution: Genetic variation in our gut is essential for evolution, as it is in all living things. It implies and shows us that our microbiome in the gut may adjust to various settings, diets, and health issues. This variety contributes to the long-term survival and evolution of our gut microbiota.
