Which vitamin deficiency can lead to a condition called pernicious anemia, affecting vitamin B12 absorption in the digestive system?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Pernicious anemia occurs when there is a lack of intrinsic factor, a protein produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the digestive system. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E deficiencies do not lead to pernicious anemia. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and skin issues, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets or osteomalacia, and Vitamin E deficiency can result in neurological problems and muscle weakness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Carrying waste products away from tissues. The lymphatic system functions to maintain fluid balance in the body by removing excess fluid, filtering out harmful substances, and transporting waste products away from tissues. It does not primarily focus on transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells, regulating body temperature, or producing red blood cells. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the primary function of the lymphatic system is related to waste removal and maintaining fluid balance in the body, rather than roles such as nutrient transport, temperature regulation, or red blood cell production.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes are crucial components of the innate immune system's first line of defense. These barriers act as physical obstacles that prevent pathogens from entering the body. Antibodies (option A) are produced by the adaptive immune system in response to specific pathogens and do not serve as physical barriers. Phagocytes (option B) are cells that engulf and digest pathogens, playing a role in the innate immune response but not as physical barriers. Memory B cells (option D) are part of the adaptive immune system and aid in mounting a faster and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposure to a specific pathogen, but they are not physical barriers against initial pathogen entry.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A) This statement is true. Prions are infectious agents composed entirely of protein, lacking nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA. They are known for causing neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans. B) This statement is false. Prions are not easily destroyed by common disinfectants due to their unique structure and resistance to conventional sterilization methods. C) This statement is false. Prions are not a type of antibiotic. They are a distinct class of infectious agents. D) This statement is false. Prions are not live organisms but rather misfolded proteins that can induce abnormal folding in normal proteins, leading to disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Endotoxins are toxic substances that are part of the outer membrane of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. These toxins are released when the bacteria are destroyed or during bacterial growth. Endotoxins can cause a variety of harmful effects in the host, including fever, inflammation, and septic shock. Viruses do not produce endotoxins; they are typically associated with producing viral proteins that can be toxic to host cells. Gram-positive bacteria produce exotoxins, which are different from endotoxins found in gram-negative bacteria. Parasites, though capable of causing diseases, are not typically associated with the production of endotoxins.