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The pathogen for the disease tuberculosis (TB) evades the specific immune response by A - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 17 - 2015

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The pathogen for the disease tuberculosis (TB) evades the specific immune response by A. surviving within phagocytes B. attacking lymphocytes C. attacking phagocytes... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The pathogen for the disease tuberculosis (TB) evades the specific immune response by A - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 17 - 2015

Step 1

A. surviving within phagocytes

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Answer

The primary method by which the tuberculosis bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, evades the specific immune response is by surviving within phagocytes. Once inhaled, the bacteria are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, they have evolved mechanisms to survive and replicate within these immune cells, thereby avoiding destruction. This is a critical aspect of their pathogenicity.

Step 2

B. attacking lymphocytes

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Answer

While TB can induce immune responses that involve lymphocytes, it does not primarily evade the immune system by attacking them. Instead, its survival strategy does not involve direct attacks on lymphocytes.

Step 3

C. attacking phagocytes

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Answer

Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not primarily evade the immune response by attacking phagocytes. Instead, it resides within these cells, which is a significant part of its strategy.

Step 4

D. antigenic variation

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Answer

Antigenic variation is a method used by some pathogens to evade the immune response by altering their surface proteins. However, Mycobacterium tuberculosis' main strategy is not based on antigenic variation but rather on its ability to survive within phagocytes.

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