Question

Phospholipases are enzymes that do which of the following? a. degrade antibodies b. promote pathogen spread through connective tissue. c. degrade nucleic acid to promote spread of pathogen d. degrade cell membranes to allow pathogens to escape phagosomes

Short answer

Option d: degrade cell membranes to allow pathogens to escape phagosomes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the role of phospholipases

Phospholipases are enzymes that hydrolyze phospholipids into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances. Their primary function involves the breakdown of cell membrane components.

Evaluate the options

Compare each option to the known function of phospholipases: - Option a: Degrade antibodies - Option b: Promote pathogen spread through connective tissue - Option c: Degrade nucleic acid to promote spread of pathogen - Option d: Degrade cell membranes to allow pathogens to escape phagosomes

Identify the correct match

Given that phospholipases break down components of cell membranes, the best fit is option d: degrade cell membranes to allow pathogens to escape phagosomes.

Key concepts

phospholipases function

Phospholipases are a type of enzyme crucial in various biological processes. Their primary role is to hydrolyze phospholipids, breaking them down into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances.
These enzymes are found in many organisms and have important roles in cell biology, including the remodeling of cell membranes and the generation of second messengers, which are chemicals that transmit signals within cells.
Some key functions of phospholipases include:

• Breaking down cell membrane phospholipids, which is vital for cell membrane maintenance and repair.


• Involvement in the production of molecules used in signaling pathways.


• Facilitating the release of fatty acids, which can be used for energy or as signaling molecules themselves.

These enzymatic activities make phospholipases essential for maintaining cellular health and responding to environmental changes.

pathogen escape mechanisms

Pathogens have developed sophisticated mechanisms to evade host defenses, and one such strategy involves the utilization of phospholipases. These enzymes are employed by pathogens to breakdown host cell membranes, aiding in their escape from host immune responses.
For example, some pathogens use phospholipases to escape from phagosomes—a type of vesicle inside immune cells that usually destroys invaders. By degrading the phagosome membrane, the pathogen can escape into the cytoplasm where it might continue to proliferate. Other mechanisms include:

• Disrupting host cell signaling pathways by interfering with membrane lipids.


• Facilitating tissue invasion and dissemination within the host by breaking down cellular barriers.


• Modulating the host's immune response to prevent detection and destruction.

Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies to combat infectious diseases.

cell membrane degradation

Cell membranes are critical structures consisting of phospholipid bilayers that protect and organize cells. Phospholipases play a pivotal role in the degradation of these membranes.
During infection, certain pathogens secrete phospholipases to hydrolyze membrane phospholipids. This degradation serves multiple purposes:

• It allows pathogens to penetrate and escape host cells, facilitating their spread and survival.


• It interrupts normal cellular functions by dismantling the protective barrier of cells.


• It alters the host's immune response, making it easier for the pathogen to evade detection.

In addition to aiding pathogens, phospholipase-mediated membrane degradation is also important in normal cellular processes such as apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cellular signaling. Therefore, while highly beneficial to pathogens, the activity of phospholipases in cell membrane degradation is a natural part of many biological processes.