Role of the resident flora Members of the resident fora in the intestinal tract synthesize vitamin K and aid in the absorption of nutrients Members of the resident flora on mucous mem branes and skin may prevent colonization by pathogens and possible disease through"bacterial interference The normal flora may antagonize other bacteria through the production of substances which inhibit or kill nonindigenous species The normal flora stimulates the development of certain tissues, i.e., the caecum and certain lymphatic tissues(Peyer's patches) in the GI tract The normal flora stimulate the production of cross reactive antibodiesRole of the resident flora • Members of the resident flora in the intestinal tract synthesize vitamin K and aid in the absorption of nutrients. • Members of the resident flora on mucous membranes and skin may prevent colonization by pathogens and possible disease through “bacterial interference”. • The normal flora may antagonize other bacteria through the production of substances which inhibit or kill nonindigenous species. • The normal flora stimulates the development of certain tissues, i.e., the caecum and certain lymphatic tissues (Peyer's patches) in the GI tract • The normal flora stimulate the production of cross￾reactive antibodies