Table of contents

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1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart2h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers

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Multiple Choice

Defensin antimicrobial peptides kill microbes by:

Blocking protein synthesis.

Blocking DNA synthesis.

Lowering cellular pH levels.

Disrupting or destroying the cell membrane.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of defensin antimicrobial peptides: These are small proteins that play a crucial role in the immune response by targeting and neutralizing pathogens.

Recognize the mechanism of action: Defensins primarily function by interacting with microbial cell membranes.

Explore how defensins disrupt cell membranes: They insert themselves into the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, creating pores or destabilizing the membrane structure.

Consider the consequences of membrane disruption: The formation of pores or destabilization leads to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death.

Conclude that the primary action of defensins is disrupting or destroying the cell membrane, rather than interfering with protein or DNA synthesis or altering pH levels.