Neurons are

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because neurons are specialized cells that carry signals, making them the functional units of the nervous system. Neurons consist of a cell body, dendrites, and axons, fulfilling the criteria mentioned in options A, B, and C. Therefore, option D encompasses all the essential characteristics of neurons, making it the correct choice. Options A, B, and C individually do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of neurons, as they only cover specific aspects of what neurons are, whereas option D encompasses all the correct statements regarding neurons.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: He was the first to observe microorganisms. Van Leeuwenhoek's important contribution to microbiology was his discovery of microorganisms using his own handcrafted microscopes. This observation revolutionized the field by providing the first direct evidence of the existence of microorganisms. Choice B is incorrect because Leeuwenhoek's observations actually supported the idea of spontaneous generation. Choice C is incorrect because he did not link microorganisms to diseases. Choice D is incorrect because the process of fermentation was described by others before Leeuwenhoek.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D - All of the above. Lectin receptors recognize microbial carbohydrates, are expressed on phagocytes, and can be classified as pattern recognition receptors. Lectins are proteins that bind specifically to certain carbohydrates, allowing them to recognize and interact with pathogens. Phagocytes express lectin receptors to help identify and engulf pathogens. Additionally, lectin receptors are considered pattern recognition receptors because they recognize specific patterns or structures commonly found on pathogens. Therefore, all three statements are true, making option D the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased concentration of C-reactive protein. This is because C-reactive protein is a well-established clinical indicator of inflammation, produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Choice A is incorrect because a decreased concentration of C3b is not a typical indicator of inflammation. Choice C is incorrect because mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an acute-phase reactant that increases in response to inflammation, so a decreased concentration of MBL would not be indicative of inflammation. Choice D is incorrect as it includes all options, but only B is a valid clinical indicator of inflammation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the term 'lymphocyte repertoire' specifically refers to the range of antigen receptor specificities found in a lymphocyte population. Lymphocytes are immune cells that play a crucial role in recognizing and responding to antigens, and their diverse antigen receptor specificities allow them to recognize a wide range of pathogens. This term does not refer to effector functions (B) or a single lymphocyte's receptor specificities (C). Additionally, it does not describe the collection of daughter cells produced after division (D), as the repertoire refers to the initial diversity of antigen receptors within a lymphocyte population.