Which of the following best illustrates selective genetic pressure in immune adaptation?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lymphoid lineage. NK cells are a type of lymphocyte that is part of the innate immune system. They are derived from common lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow. NK cells play a crucial role in recognizing and killing infected or abnormal cells. Myeloid lineage (A) gives rise to cells like macrophages and granulocytes, not NK cells. Erythroid lineage (B) produces red blood cells, and granulocyte lineage (D) gives rise to neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils, not NK cells. Therefore, the correct choice is C as NK cells originate from the lymphoid lineage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lysosomes. Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down engulfed pathogens during phagocytosis. First, the pathogen is engulfed by the cell membrane forming a phagosome. Next, the phagosome fuses with a lysosome forming a phagolysosome where digestion occurs. Golgi apparatus (B) is involved in protein processing and packaging. Endoplasmic reticulum (C) is responsible for protein synthesis and lipid metabolism. Mitochondria (D) produce energy in the form of ATP.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Complement deficiencies impair the body's ability to fight bacterial infections, particularly encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. Asthma (A), SLE (B), and chronic hepatitis (D) are not directly associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to complement deficiencies. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, SLE is an autoimmune disease, and chronic hepatitis affects the liver. Therefore, only Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are directly linked to complement deficiencies.