What is a defensin?
Q: What is a defensin?
A: A defensin is a small cation protein found in animals and plants that serves as a host defence peptide.
Q: What pathogens do defensins combat?
A: Defensins work against bacteria, fungi, and many viruses.
Q: How many amino acids do defensins typically have?
A: Defensins have 18-45 amino acids.
Q: What is the purpose of cysteine residues in defensins?
A: Six to eight conserved cysteine residues are included in defensins.
Q: What types of cells in the immune system contain defensins?
A: Neutrophil granulocytes and almost all epithelial cells contain defensins to help kill phagocytosed bacteria.
Q: How do defensins kill bacteria?
A: Most defensins work by binding to the bacterial cell membrane and creating tiny holes in the membrane, causing vital ions and nutrients to leak out.
Q: Do only animal cells contain defensins?
A: No, both animal and plant cells contain defensins.
