The word microbiota can function as either singular or plural. So it's possible to say 'the microbiota is…' or 'the microbiota are…' It's becoming more common, however, to use 'microbiotas' for the plural of microbiota in scientific papers.

What is the difference between microbiome and microbiota?

Sometimes used interchangeably, these two terms have subtle differences. The microbiome refers to the collection of genomes from all the microorganisms in the environment. ... Microbiota can refer to all the microorganisms found in an environment, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

What is the plural of microbiome?

Noun. microbiome (plural microbiomes) The genetic information (genomes) of a microbiota. quotations ▼ A microbial biome, such as the community of microbes within the human gut.