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the retraction of type iv pili, at least in diarrhea-causing strains of e. coli, helps disrupt the tight junctions connecting adjacent cells that line the intestine. tight junctions normally form a permeability barrier through which nutrients, ions, and water are absorbed from the intestinal lumen and into the body. disrupting tight junctions prevents the absorption of water and electrolytes, which accumulate in the intestinal lumen and contribute to the diarrhea. 1st attempt part 1 (1 point)see hint the production of diarrhea due to the disruption of the tight junctions by the retraction of the type iv pili might be advantageous to the infected host because it choose one: a. increases nutrients within the intestinal lumen. b. causes the e. coli to be swept into deeper tissues. c. prevents the lengthening of the type iv pili. d. increases shear forces with the intestinal lumen.

User Weiner Nir
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Final answer:

Diarrhea caused by Type IV pili retraction in E. coli promotes the bacteria's spread but results in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance for the host.

Step-by-step explanation:

The production of diarrhea due to the disruption of the tight junctions by the retraction of the Type IV pili in strains of E. coli is a bacterial strategy for ensuring the spread of the infection. The diarrhea caused by the bacteria serves to expel the pathogens from the host and spread them to new hosts. Although this is advantageous to the bacteria for propagation, it results in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance for the host due to the large volume of water and electrolytes that are lost with the diarrhea.

User Sworoc
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