Open Question
Which of the following is a chemical defense found in tears? Select all that apply.
a. Water
b. Lysozyme
c. Antimicrobial peptides
d. Neutrophils
19. Innate Immunity
First-Line Defenses: Chemical Barriers
Struggling with Microbiology?
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Defensin antimicrobial peptides kill microbes by:
A
Blocking protein synthesis.
B
Blocking DNA synthesis.
C
Lowering cellular pH levels.
D
Disrupting or destroying the cell membrane.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that defensins are small cysteine-rich cationic proteins found in both vertebrates and invertebrates.
Recognize that defensins are part of the innate immune system and play a crucial role in the first line of defense against pathogens.
Learn that the primary mechanism by which defensins kill microbes is by interacting with microbial cell membranes.
Defensins insert themselves into the microbial cell membrane, creating pores or disrupting the membrane structure.
This disruption compromises the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately cell death.
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