Nonspecific Chemical Defenses Include

Question

Nonspecific chemical defenses include
A)lysozyme.
B)lactic acid and electrolytes of sweat.
C)skin's acidic pH and fatty acids.
D)stomach hydrochloric acid.
E)All of these choices are correct.

Accepted Answer

All of these choices are correct. Lysozyme is an enzyme found in tears, saliva, and mucus that breaks down bacterial cell walls. Lactic acid and electrolytes in sweat make the skin more acidic, inhibiting bacterial growth. The skin also has a naturally acidic pH and produces fatty acids that further help protect against infection. Stomach hydrochloric acid helps to destroy ingested pathogens before they can cause harm.