Mucus is not a particularly appetizing topic, but it’s something we encounter every day, even when we’re feeling our best. This slimy, gel-like substance called mucus isn’t just found in our noses and throats; it actually coats all the wet surfaces of our bodies that aren’t covered in skin. That means it can be found in our lungs, sinuses, mouth, stomach, intestines, cervix, and even our eyes. It may be gross, but mucus actually plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy, and it’s not just us humans who benefit from it. Other creatures rely on mucus for protection as well.
Mucus is a fascinating and somewhat mysterious substance. While mammals, fish, amphibians, and other animals all produce mucus, a recent study has found that many mucus genes don’t have a common ancestor. This is unusual because genes with similar functions usually evolve from a shared ancestral gene. However, in humans, for example, the genes responsible for mucus production belong to several families that likely evolved independently.
The University of Buffalo conducted a study on the mucins, which are the proteins that give mucus its slimy properties, in 49 different mammal species. During their research, they discovered that some non-mucin proteins in certain mammals had evolved into mucins. This suggests that there is some adaptive pressure that makes this transformation beneficial. However, when this mechanism goes awry, it can lead to diseases like certain cancers or mucosal illnesses.
“I don’t think it was previously known that protein function can evolve this way, from a protein gaining repeated sequences. A protein that isn’t a mucin becomes a mucin just by gaining repeats. This is an important way that evolution makes slime. It’s an evolutionary trick, and we now document this happening over and over again,” explained Omer Gokcumen, a professor of biological sciences at UB.
Mucus consists mostly of water, along with hundreds of compounds, including proteins, fats, and salts. The primary component of mucus, and the reason it is slimy, is a group of proteins called mucins. Mucus serves various functions in our bodies, including:
– Providing a protective barrier: Mucus lines our airways, digestive tract, and other internal surfaces to protect them from harmful pathogens and irritants.
– Trapping foreign particles: Mucus acts as a sticky trap, capturing dust, allergens, and bacteria, preventing them from entering our bodies.
– Lubricating surfaces: Mucus keeps our nasal passages, digestive system, and other body parts moist, preventing dryness and discomfort.
Our bodies constantly produce mucus, especially in the respiratory system, where we generate more than a liter of it each day. When we’re healthy, we don’t usually notice the mucus running down the back of our throats. However, when we’re sick, our bodies increase mucus production to flush out any invading pathogens, resulting in thicker and stickier mucus.
Humans aren’t the only ones who produce mucus. Other animals, such as mammals, fish, amphibians, mollusks, and certain invertebrates, also rely on mucus for various purposes. In fact, mucus has been praised for its ability to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Researchers are even exploring ways to utilize mucus to prevent infections and develop new medical treatments.
In conclusion, while mucus may be an unpleasant and somewhat perplexing topic, it plays a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy. From protecting our internal surfaces to trapping foreign particles, mucus is an unsung hero in our daily lives. And it’s not just humans who benefit from mucus; other creatures also rely on its protective properties. So, the next time you encounter mucus, remember that it’s not just gross; it’s actually a crucial part of our overall well-being and defense against harmful pathogens.