Which of the following statements about intestinal microflora is FALSE?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To begin, let's list what each statement claims about intestinal microflora and examine them one by one.
Option 1: 'they synthesize vitamins' — This is accurate. Many gut bacteria synthesize vitamins such as vitamin K and certain B vitamins, contributing to host nutrition.
Option 2: 'they support the immune system' — This is true as well. The intestinal microflora interact with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and modulate immune responses, helping to educate and regulate immunity.
Option 3: 'they help break down indigestible carbohydrates' — Correct. The microbiota ferment resistant carbohydrates (like dietary fibers and oligosaccharides) producing short-chain fatty acids that the host can use.
Option 4: 'they are only found in the large intestine' — This statement is FALSE. While the large intestine hosts a large and diverse microbial community, microflora are also present in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, albeit in different densities and compositions. Moreover, some bacteria can be found in the oral cavity and elsewhere, but the key point is that they are not exclusive to the large intestine.
Therefore, the false statement is the claim that intestinal microflora are only found in the large intestine, since they reside throughout the gut with varying concentrations and functions across regions.

Which of the following statements about intestinal microflora is FALSE?

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