Oral histology and anatomy: salivary antibacterial proteins: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: salivary antibacterial proteins

Sample item

Which group of salivary components provides non-specific antibacterial protection in the mouth?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidase

Lysozyme, lactoferrin and the lactoperoxidase system act against oral bacteria without antigen specificity. Secretory IgA supplies the specific immune defence.

Option by option

  • A. Amylase, lipase and maltase

    Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes, not antibacterial agents.

  • B. Lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidase (correct)

    Correct. These proteins form the innate defence system of saliva.

  • C. Mucin, water and bicarbonate only

    Mucin lubricates and bicarbonate buffers, but they are not the antimicrobial proteins.

  • D. Calcium, phosphate and fluoride

    Calcium, phosphate and fluoride support remineralisation, not antimicrobial action.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidase. Lysozyme, lactoferrin and the lactoperoxidase system act against oral bacteria without antigen specificity.

Why is "Amylase, lipase and maltase" not the answer?

Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes, not antibacterial agents.

Why is "Mucin, water and bicarbonate only" not the answer?

Mucin lubricates and bicarbonate buffers, but they are not the antimicrobial proteins.

Why is "Calcium, phosphate and fluoride" not the answer?

Calcium, phosphate and fluoride support remineralisation, not antimicrobial action.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: salivary antibacterial proteins in Dentistry. Secretory IgA supplies the specific immune defence.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral histology and anatomy: salivary antibacterial proteins?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.