Which of the following is NOT a function of the immune system?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increasing pathogen reproduction. The immune system's main function is to protect the body from pathogens and foreign invaders, not to promote their reproduction. A: Promoting wound healing is correct as the immune system helps in tissue repair. B: Fighting cancer is correct as the immune system plays a role in recognizing and destroying cancerous cells. D: Eliminating cell debris is correct as the immune system helps in clearing out dead or damaged cells to maintain tissue health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because modern immunology indeed builds on the groundbreaking contributions of scientists like Jenner and Pasteur. Their work laid the foundation for understanding concepts like vaccination and immune responses. Choice A is incorrect because modern immunology encompasses both innate and adaptive immunity. Choice C is incorrect as immunology extends beyond tissue healing to include immune responses to pathogens and self-cells. Choice D is incorrect as immunology is a rapidly evolving field with significant advancements in understanding immune mechanisms and developing new treatments.

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: Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) identify Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) because PAMPs are unique molecules found on pathogens that trigger an immune response. PRRs recognize these patterns to distinguish between self and non-self. This recognition is crucial for initiating an immune response against potential threats. Specific antigens (A) and specific viruses only (D) are too narrow in scope as PRRs are designed to detect a wide range of patterns. Host self-proteins (C) are recognized by other mechanisms in the immune system to prevent autoimmunity.

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.