microflora

Microflora is the collective community of microscopic organisms that inhabit a defined environment. The term traditionally encompasses bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and protozoa, which together form a living ecosystem within soil, water, air, plants, or the bodies of animals, including humans.

In soils and aquatic systems, microflora drives nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and ecosystem productivity. Plant surfaces and internal tissues host microbial communities that can influence growth, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. In humans and other animals, microbial communities inhabit skin, the oral cavity, and the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to digestion, vitamin production, immune development, and barrier function.

Terminology: microflora is often used interchangeably with microbiota or microbial community; some prefer microflora to denote the organisms themselves rather than their genes. Mycobiota refers specifically to fungi; virome to viruses.

Study and methods: assessment uses culture-based and culture-independent approaches. 16S rRNA gene sequencing targets bacteria; ITS sequencing targets fungi; metagenomics, metatranscriptomics reveal functional potential and activity. Limitations include sampling bias and inability to distinguish live from dead organisms.

Applications and implications: microflora influence plant and animal health, fermentation industries, biocontrol, and environmental remediation. Changes in microflora due to antibiotics, diet, urbanization, or climate can have wide-ranging effects on health, agriculture, and ecosystem function.