Which of the following is a correct statement about the immune system?

• A. Antigens are parts of pathogens that the immune system is unable to identify.
• B. Inflammation is only caused when a pathogen evades the immune system.
• C. The innate immune system uses B and T cells to fight and kill pathogens.
• D. The adaptive immune system uses antibodies to mark pathogens for destruction.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of antigens in the immune system. Antigens are molecules or parts of pathogens that the immune system can recognize and respond to, not something it fails to identify.
2. Step 2: Learn about inflammation. Inflammation is a general immune response that can be triggered by various factors, including injury or infection, not only when a pathogen evades the immune system.
3. Step 3: Differentiate between the innate and adaptive immune systems. The innate immune system provides immediate, non-specific defense and does not primarily use B and T cells; these cells are part of the adaptive immune system.
4. Step 4: Recognize the function of B and T cells in the adaptive immune system. B cells produce antibodies that specifically bind to antigens on pathogens, marking them for destruction, while T cells help kill infected cells or assist other immune cells.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is that the adaptive immune system uses antibodies to mark pathogens for destruction, highlighting the specificity and memory features of adaptive immunity.