Gnotobiote

/ˌnoʊtəˈbaɪoʊt/ noun

Definition

An organism whose complete genetic makeup and all microorganisms are known, typically raised in a sterile laboratory environment.

Etymology

From Greek gnotos 'known' + biote (from bios 'life'). A modern scientific term for a laboratory organism.

Kelly Says

A gnotobiote might be a mouse or rat bred in a lab where scientists control everything it eats and every microorganism it encounters—it's like the biological equivalent of a computer in a controlled environment.

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