Question

4. Describe the potential advantages of two "evolution-proof" interventions that are being explored to confront bacterial pathogens in hun

Answer 1

Coughing and mucous secretion are evolved mechanisms to counter microbial pathogens.

Cough relfex is a mechanism developed by humans to confront pathogens. Mechano and chemical sensory stimuli causes urge to cough. Evolutionary mechanisms led to shaping of the supralaryngeal tract which facilitated better control over muscle movements involved in cough relfex.

Mucous hyersecretion causes trapping of microbe in airways before it reaches organs such as lung or gastrointestinal system. Mucous gets secreted within seconds in response to MUC5B gene expression. The airway epithelium is covered with mucous of approximately 5-10 micrometer depth and it contains anti-microbial proteins, proteoglycans, water, ions and cell debris. In respnse to infection by pathogen, mucous secretion is increases known as mucous hypersecretion and causes trapping of pathogen in airways.