UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders. Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) have shown that micro-organisms in the gut (intestines) are really important for our brain health. Bacteria in the gut produce fatty acids which are a source of nutrition for cells in this part of the body. Foods such as grains and vegetables contain high levels of fibre and will stimulate gut bacteria to produce the fatty acids. The UCC study involved feeding mice fatty acids normally produced by gut bacteria and then subjecting them to stress. Using behaviour tests, they assessed for anxiety or depressive-like behaviour. The researchers found that there was a decreased level of this type of behaviour when fatty acids were fed. These results provide new insights on mechanisms related to the impact of the gut bacteria on our brains and behaviour.

Junior Cycle Science Microbiology: UCC Study: High fibre foods ease

UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

Question 14

UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders. Researchers ... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

Step 1

a) Name a type of food that is high in fibre.

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Answer

Foods that are high in fibre include grains or vegetables.

Step 2

b) The study involved feeding mice fatty acids and then subjecting them to stress. Describe a control experiment which the scientists could have used in this investigation.

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Answer

A possible control experiment would involve two groups of mice: one group that is fed the fatty acids and subjected to stress, and a second group that is not fed the fatty acids but is also subjected to the same stress. This would allow researchers to compare the effects of the fatty acids on the stress response.

Step 3

c) What observation did the scientists note about the behaviour of the mice after they had been fed fatty acids?

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The scientists observed decreased levels of depressive-like behaviour among the mice that had been fed fatty acids.

Step 4

d) Do you agree or disagree with the use of animals (such as mice) in scientific research? Explain your answer.

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I agree with the use of animals in scientific research, as they can provide valuable insights into human health and disease mechanisms. However, it's crucial to ensure that ethical standards are met to minimize suffering and to consider alternative methods when possible.

Step 5

e) Human health is affected by environmental factors such as stress. Name another environmental factor which has an effect on human health.

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Another environmental factor that affects human health is pollution.

Step 6

f) This article highlights a beneficial role of micro-organisms in human health. State another example of how bacteria could have an effect on human health.

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Bacteria can also cause disease, such as those that lead to infections like strep throat or tuberculosis.

UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

Worked Solution & Example Answer:UCC Study: High fibre foods ease stress effects Interest has been growing in recent years in the link between gut bacteria and stress-related disorders - Junior Cycle Science - Question 14 - 2019

a) Name a type of food that is high in fibre.

b) The study involved feeding mice fatty acids and then subjecting them to stress. Describe a control experiment which the scientists could have used in this investigation.

c) What observation did the scientists note about the behaviour of the mice after they had been fed fatty acids?

d) Do you agree or disagree with the use of animals (such as mice) in scientific research? Explain your answer.

e) Human health is affected by environmental factors such as stress. Name another environmental factor which has an effect on human health.

f) This article highlights a beneficial role of micro-organisms in human health. State another example of how bacteria could have an effect on human health.

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