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Germ Free Physiology

Meaning

Germ Free Physiology refers to the study of the biological and functional characteristics of organisms that are completely devoid of any detectable microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These organisms, typically animals raised in sterile isolators, are known as gnotobiotic or germ-free (GF) models. Studying their unique physiology provides a critical baseline to understand the profound impact of the commensal microbiome on host development, metabolism, immunity, and endocrine function.