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Question
Saliva and tears are examples of .......... barriers (under innate immunity).
Saliva and tears are examples of .......... barriers (under innate immunity).
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Solution
The correct option is A Chemical barriers
Chemical barriers protect against infection. The skin and respiratory tract secrete antimicrobial peptides such as the β-defensins. Enzymes such as lysozyme and phospholipase A2 in saliva, tears, and breast milk are antibacterial substances. Vaginal secretions serve as a chemical barrier following menarche, when they become slightly acidic, while semen contains defensins and zinc to kill pathogens. In the stomach, gastric acid serves as a powerful chemical defence against ingested pathogens.
Chemical barriers protect against infection. The skin and respiratory tract secrete antimicrobial peptides such as the β-defensins. Enzymes such as lysozyme and phospholipase A2 in saliva, tears, and breast milk are antibacterial substances. Vaginal secretions serve as a chemical barrier following menarche, when they become slightly acidic, while semen contains defensins and zinc to kill pathogens. In the stomach, gastric acid serves as a powerful chemical defence against ingested pathogens.
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