Question:medium

The cationic antimicrobial peptide, histatin is found in human's_____________.

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Associate histatins with the oral cavity. The name itself contains "hist-" for histidine-rich and "-statin" suggesting a stopping/inhibiting action, which in this case is microbial growth in the mouth.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • Synovial fluid
  • Cerebrospinal fluid
  • Bile juice
  • Saliva
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept Overview:
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are innate immune components offering rapid, broad-spectrum defense. Histatins, a specific AMP family, are the focus; we need their main human location.
Step 2: In-Depth Analysis:


Histatins are small, positively charged peptides rich in histidine.

They are uniquely secreted by the parotid and submandibular glands.

Therefore, they are a significant protein constituent of human saliva.

Within the mouth, they exhibit strong antifungal action (notably against Candida albicans), antibacterial effects, and aid in tissue repair.

They are not typically present in synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or bile.

Step 3: Concise Answer:
Histatin, an antimicrobial peptide, is located in human saliva.
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