What is a significant consequence of the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hosts developing epigenetic changes for immune adaptation is a significant consequence of the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens. This adaptation allows hosts to better defend against evolving pathogens over time. This process is dynamic, as both hosts and pathogens continuously evolve in response to each other. Choice A is incorrect because pathogens can evolve rapidly to adapt to host defenses. Choice C is incorrect because while hosts may have mutations that provide advantages, pathogens can also evolve to overcome host defenses. Choice D is incorrect as the interaction between hosts and pathogens is characterized by constant adaptation and change, not remaining static.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Natural killer (NK) cells target virus-infected and cancerous cells because they have the ability to recognize abnormal cells through activating receptors. These cells can identify changes in surface markers associated with viral infection or cancer, leading to their destruction. NK cells do not target bacterial cells (choice A), plasma cells (choice C), or self-antigens (choice D) as these are not typically recognized as threats by the immune system. NK cells play a crucial role in immune surveillance against abnormal cells, making choice B the correct answer.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Lectin pathway. MBL recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns containing mannose, initiating the lectin pathway. MBL binds to mannose on microbial surfaces, activating MBL-associated serine proteases, leading to the formation of the C3 convertase. This triggers the rest of the complement cascade. A: Alternative pathway is triggered by spontaneous hydrolysis of C3, not by MBL. B: Classical pathway is activated by antigen-antibody complexes, not MBL. D: Terminal pathway (also known as the membrane attack complex) is the final step of all complement pathways, not specifically triggered by MBL.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary role of phagocytosis in innate immunity is to engulf and digest pathogens. Phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils recognize and engulf bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances to prevent infections. They digest these pathogens using enzymes and destroy them. This process is crucial in the initial defense against infections. Option A is incorrect because phagocytosis primarily targets pathogens, not cancer cells. Option C is incorrect because producing antibodies is a function of adaptive immunity, not innate immunity. Option D is incorrect because activating complement proteins is a separate mechanism in the immune response.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: TLR4. TLR4 is primarily responsible for recognizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. It forms a complex with MD-2 and CD14 to trigger downstream signaling pathways. TLR2 recognizes other microbial components such as lipoproteins. TLR5 recognizes flagellin, a component of bacterial flagella. TLR9 recognizes unmethylated CpG DNA motifs. Therefore, TLR4 is specifically involved in detecting LPS, making it the correct answer in this scenario.