Final answer:
Inhibition of ciliary movement is NOT a way the normal microbiota of the intestine helps to prevent infection. The microbiota assists in infection prevention through competitive exclusion, antimicrobial production, and the creation of acidic pH conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following is NOT a way the normal microbiota of the intestine helps to prevent infection:
- Competition for nutrients
- Production of antimicrobial substances
- Creation of favorable pH conditions
- Inhibition of ciliary movement
The correct answer is inhibition of ciliary movement. The normal microbiota of the intestine helps prevent infection through various mechanisms such as competitive exclusion, producing antimicrobial substances like bacteriocins and acids that lower the pH, which can inhibit the growth of pathogens. However, there is no role for the normal gut flora in inhibiting ciliary movement; this option does not relate to the microbial activities in the gut.