What type of diseases does the immune system primarily defend against?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Infectious diseases. The immune system's main function is to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It recognizes and eliminates these pathogens to prevent infections. Autoimmune diseases (A) occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Neurological disorders (C) and cardiovascular diseases (D) are not primarily defended against by the immune system as they are not caused by external pathogens.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identifying and eliminating abnormal cells. This function is most relevant to cancer because the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy abnormal cells is crucial in preventing the development and spread of cancer. The immune system constantly surveys the body for cells that have mutated or become cancerous, and when identified, it initiates an immune response to eliminate them. This process is essential for maintaining the body's health and preventing cancerous cells from proliferating. Choice A (Suppressing cytokine release) is incorrect because cytokines play a role in regulating the immune response, which can be important in cancer immunity. Choice B (Promoting adaptive immunity only) is incorrect as both innate and adaptive immune responses are involved in combating cancer. Choice D (Limiting the effectiveness of phagocytes) is incorrect as phagocytes are important in recognizing and destroying cancer cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Selective genetic pressure refers to the process where specific genetic traits are favored due to environmental factors. Step 2: Rroma populations and their genetic response to Yersinia pestis demonstrate selective genetic pressure as they have developed genetic adaptations to resist the plague bacterium. Step 3: This adaptation is a result of prolonged exposure to the pathogen, leading to the survival and reproduction of individuals with genetic variations that confer resistance. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect because mutation rates in viruses like the flu (B) do not necessarily involve genetic pressure, increased pathogen diversity in unvaccinated populations (C) is a consequence of lack of immunity, and non-specific activation of innate immunity (D) is not a selective process based on genetic traits.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Jules Hoffman. He is credited with identifying Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in innate immunity. Hoffman's research provided crucial insights into how the immune system recognizes pathogens and triggers immune responses. Paul Ehrlich is known for his work on antibodies, Edward Jenner for developing the smallpox vaccine, and Louis Pasteur for his contributions to germ theory and vaccination. However, none of them are specifically associated with the discovery of Toll-like receptors in innate immunity.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. NK cells kill target cells by releasing perforin and granzyme. Perforin creates pores in the target cell's membrane, allowing granzyme to enter and induce apoptosis. Antibodies (choice A) are produced by B cells, not NK cells. Cytokines (choice B) regulate immune responses but do not directly kill cells. Phagocytosis (choice D) involves engulfing and digesting pathogens, which is not how NK cells kill target cells.