Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual
Gut Bacteria & Digestion
Explain the role of gut microbiome bacteria in digestion, including breaking down dietary fibre and contributing to a healthy gut environment
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Explains that many gut bacteria are beneficial, not harmful
- Describes what gut bacteria do that human digestive enzymes cannot (e.g. break down fibre)
- Explains what might happen if the gut microbiome is disrupted
Assessment prompt
If Gut Bacteria & Digestion heard that there are billions of bacteria living in our gut, could they explain why that's actually helpful for digestion rather than something to worry about?
Standards alignment
KS3.Sci.Bio.Nutrition.5GB · uk-nc-2013
Bacteria in the digestive system
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3