Question

What is the purpose of antibodies, lysozymes, and defensins within saliva?

1) To protect against bacterial infections
2) To aid in digestion
3) To regulate pH levels
4) To enhance taste perception

Answer 1

The purpose of antibodies, lysozymes, and defensins in saliva is to protect against bacterial infections by serving as chemical barriers and disrupting the cell membranes or walls of bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of antibodies, lysozymes, and defensins within saliva is primarily to protect against bacterial infections. These components are part of the body's innate immune system, serving as chemical barriers to pathogens. Antibodies in saliva, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA), prevent microbes from penetrating the epithelium. Lysozymes are enzymes that can damage microbial cells by cleaving the bonds in bacterial cell walls, providing an antimicrobial action. Defensins, which are antimicrobial proteins, disrupt bacterial cell membranes. While saliva also aids in digestion with enzymes like salivary amylase and lipase, and it helps to buffer pH levels with bicarbonate and phosphate ions, the main role of antibodies, lysozymes, and defensins is antibacterial protection, making 1) To protect against bacterial infections the correct choice.