Which of the following is a primary way that fever helps the body fight infection?

• A. It directly kills all bacteria by denaturing their DNA.
• B. It increases the activity of immune cells and inhibits the growth of some pathogens.
• C. It causes the production of antibodies by B cells within minutes.
• D. It prevents the entry of pathogens by thickening the skin.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of fever in the immune response: Fever is a regulated increase in body temperature that occurs during infection.
2. Recognize that fever does not directly kill all bacteria by denaturing their DNA, as this would require temperatures harmful to the host as well.
3. Know that fever enhances the immune system by increasing the activity and efficiency of immune cells such as phagocytes and lymphocytes.
4. Understand that fever can inhibit the growth of some pathogens because many bacteria and viruses have optimal growth at normal body temperature, so elevated temperature slows their replication.
5. Realize that fever does not cause immediate antibody production by B cells within minutes, nor does it prevent pathogen entry by thickening the skin; these are separate immune mechanisms.