Which of these is not a part of the body’s chemical defense system against infection?
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A
lysozyme
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B
hydrochloric acid
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C
agranulocyte
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D
urine
agranulocytes are a part of the cellular immune response, not a chemical one
A) Lysozyme:
Lysozyme is an enzyme found in various bodily fluids, including saliva, tears, and mucus. It acts as part of the body's innate immune defense by breaking down bacterial cell walls, helping to prevent infection. It is an important chemical defense mechanism against infection.
B) Hydrochloric acid:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a major component of stomach acid. It plays a critical role in the body's defense against infection by maintaining a highly acidic environment in the stomach, which kills harmful microorganisms that are ingested with food. This is another example of a chemical defense mechanism.
C) Agranulocyte:
Agranulocytes are a type of white blood cell (such as lymphocytes and monocytes) that are part of the body's immune system. However, agranulocytes are not chemical defenses. They are part of the cellular immune response, not a chemical one. This makes agranulocytes the correct answer to the question, as they do not directly involve chemical defense mechanisms.
D) Urine:
Urine is part of the body's defense system because it helps to flush out bacteria and other pathogens from the urinary tract. It has a low pH that can help inhibit bacterial growth, and its flow helps prevent infection. This is considered a chemical defense mechanism.
Conclusion:
While lysozyme, hydrochloric acid, and urine all directly contribute to the body’s chemical defense system against infections, agranulocytes are a part of the cellular immune response, not a chemical one. Therefore, C) agranulocyte is the correct answer.
Topic Flashcards
Click to FlipWhat is the primary category of immune defense (chemical or cellular) to which agranulocytes, like lymphocytes, belong?
Cellular defense. Agranulocytes are white blood cells that physically attack pathogens or coordinate immune responses, unlike chemical barriers.
Name one bodily fluid that contains the antibacterial enzyme lysozyme.
Tears or saliva. Lysozyme acts as a chemical defense by breaking down bacterial cell walls.
How does the hydrochloric acid in the stomach function as a chemical defense?
It creates an extremely acidic environment (low pH) that destroys most ingested pathogens before they can enter the intestines.
Which of these is a cell type rather than a chemical substance: lysozyme, hydrochloric acid, or an agranulocyte?
An agranulocyte. Lysozyme is an enzyme and HCl is an acid, both chemicals, while an agranulocyte is a living white blood cell.
True or False: The low pH and flushing action of urine are considered part of the body's innate chemical defense system.
True. Urine helps prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial growth and mechanically removing microbes.