What type of cell is responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red blood cell. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, contain hemoglobin that binds to oxygen and carbon dioxide for transport in the bloodstream. They are specifically designed for gas exchange. White blood cells (B) are part of the immune system and fight infections. Platelets (C) are responsible for blood clotting. Hematocrit (D) refers to the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, not a specific type of cell responsible for gas transport.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Charles Janeway. He proposed the existence of pattern recognition receptors on innate cells in the 1980s, leading to the development of the concept of innate immunity. Janeway's hypothesis revolutionized our understanding of immune responses by emphasizing the role of pattern recognition in detecting pathogens. Tonegawa is known for his work on immune diversity; Metchnikoff discovered phagocytes; and Steinman identified dendritic cells. Janeway's contribution to immunology specifically focuses on pattern recognition receptors, making him the correct choice for this question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: IL-8. IL-8 is not a systemic cytokine because it mainly acts locally at the site of inflammation to recruit neutrophils. Systemic cytokines like TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 have widespread effects throughout the body, influencing various immune responses and inflammatory processes. IL-8's localized action distinguishes it from systemic cytokines, making it the correct choice. TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 are all systemic cytokines that play key roles in regulating the immune response and inflammation at a systemic level, unlike IL-8.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct sequence is B: Physical barriers; innate responses; adaptive responses. Physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes are the first line of defense, followed by innate responses (e.g., inflammation, phagocytosis) that provide immediate, non-specific protection. Adaptive responses (e.g., antibody production, T cell activation) are the final defense mechanism, specifically targeting the pathogen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not follow the correct chronological order of how host immune defenses are encountered by a pathogen. Option A and D have the innate and adaptive responses in the wrong order, while option C places adaptive responses before physical barriers, which is not accurate in terms of the sequence of host immune defenses.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: In many developing countries. Smallpox was indeed endemic in many developing countries in the 1960s, causing significant morbidity and mortality. This is supported by historical records and epidemiological data from that time period. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because smallpox was not endemic in North America, England, or globally during the 1960s. Smallpox eradication efforts led to the global eradication of the disease in 1980, but in the 1960s, it was still prevalent in many developing countries.