Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach - Standalone book
Microbiology Fundamentals: A Clinical Approach - Standalone book
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780078021046
Author: Marjorie Kelly Cowan Professor, Jennifer Bunn
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
Question
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Chapter 16, Problem 1CT
Summary Introduction

To determine:

Which pair would show the biggest differences in the microbiota “an individual cheek versus palm, an individual cheek versus his friend’s cheek, an individual cheek today versus his cheek 3 months from now”.

Concept introduction

Skin is the main part of the integumentary system. It plays an important role to prevent the body from the invading pathogen and from the harsh environment. Skin along with hair, nails, sweat, and oil glands are the part of the integumentary system.

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The human body is occupied with various nonpathogenic normal microflora, which prevents the entry of pathogenic microbes. The presence of a nonpathogenic strain of microorganisms in the human body is called as normal microflora. Skin biota is able to survive under dry and salty conditions. But some microbes are not able to survive under dry condition, so they can grow in the moist area of skin folds, such as underarm and groin areas.

Human Microbiome Project (HMP) reveals that human skin harbors a wide range of microbiota. Around 100 species are present on the dermis, epidermis, and subcutaneous layers of skin. Hence, according to HMP, approximately 100-900 different types of microbes are present on the skin surface.

The biggest difference in skin microflora will be seen in “an individual cheek versus his friend’s cheek”. It is because different people contain different types of skin microflora. Skin microflora will depend on the type of skin, and environmental condition. Thus, each individual harbor different types of flora on the surface of the skin.

Conclusion

The major difference in skin microflora will be seen in an individual cheek versus the cheek of his friend.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Which pair would show the least differences in the microbiota “an individual cheek versus palm, an individual cheek versus his friend’s cheek, an individual cheek today versus his cheek 3 months from now”.

Concept introduction

Skin is the main part of the integumentary system. It plays an important role to prevent the body from the invading pathogen and from the harsh environment. Skin along with hair, nails, sweat, and oil glands are the part of the integumentary system.

Expert Solution
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The human body is occupied with various nonpathogenic normal microflora, which prevents the entry of pathogenic microbes. The presence of a nonpathogenic strain of microorganisms in the human body is called as normal microflora. Skin biota is able to survive under dry and salty conditions. But some microbes are not able to survive under dry condition, so they can grow in the moist area of skin folds, such as underarm and groin areas.

The least difference in skin microflora will be seen in “an individual cheek today versus individual cheek three months from now”. It is because the microbiota present on the skin will remain constant. Microbiota present on the skin prevents the entry of other strains of microbes, and they maintain the skin environment which is suitable for themselves but not suitable for other strains.

Conclusion

The least difference in skin microflora will be seen in “an individual cheek today versus individual cheek three months from now”.

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