Chapter 15, Problem 1TMW

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason why the body’s skin and mucous membrane barriers are not significant factors in body’s resistance to infection by hyperthermophiles.

Introduction:

Skin is a barrier to microorganisms. However, some microbes invade the skin through natural openings of the skin, sweat glands and hair follicles. They may also enter through wound, damage or cut on the skin. There are some fungi that can enter the skin by digesting the top layers of the skin.

The mucous membranes are soft and living cells. They are present in organ systems such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive and conjunctiva. As these membranes are soft cells, microorganisms can easily enter into the body through them. The respiratory tract is the most susceptible route for microbes.