Some human cells produce proteins called cytokines - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 18
Some human cells produce proteins called cytokines.
A major function of cytokines is
A. signalling immune cells in inflammatory responses.
B. stimulating B cells to ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Some human cells produce proteins called cytokines - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. signalling immune cells in inflammatory responses.
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Answer
Cytokines play a crucial role in signaling pathways that activate and regulate immune responses. They help in the recruitment and activation of immune cells, including macrophages and T-cells, during inflammation.
Step 2
B. stimulating B cells to directly attack virally infected cells.
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Answer
While cytokines like interleukins can indirectly influence B cell activity, they primarily function by signaling rather than direct attack. The role of B cells is more about antibody production rather than direct cytotoxic action.
Step 3
C. diffusing across a synaptic gap to stimulate the adjacent cell.
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Cytokines do not typically act via synaptic gaps, as this is a characteristic of neurotransmitters. Cytokines usually diffuse through the extracellular environment to affect nearby cells.
Step 4
D. communicating very rapidly with a cell that is distant from the cytokine-producing cell.
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Cytokines can act over longer distances but are generally not considered rapid communication signals. Hormones are more suited for rapid distant signaling.
