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Question #45466
The Question
A novel intracellular parasite evolves to secrete a peptide that structurally mimics human Thymosin to subvert host immune signaling. According to the 'Red Queen Hypothesis' and NCERT principles of human immunity, which of the following statements regarding the consequences of this molecular mimicry is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The host's cell-mediated immunity could be severely compromised due to the subversion of T-lymphocyte differentiation in the thymus.
- B.
The host's humoral immunity may also experience suppression, as endogenous thymosins normally promote the production of antibodies.
- C.
The mimic peptide will disrupt the antigen-independent maturation of T-lymphocytes that primarily occurs in secondary lymphoid organs like the spleen.
- D.
The host population will undergo directional selection, favoring mutations in thymosin-binding receptors to distinguish the endogenous hormone from the pathogenic mimic.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Thymosin Specificity|Life Cycle of Plasmodium|Co-evolutionary Resistance
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question uses a 'Location Trap' hidden inside a complex evolutionary scenario.
Students often suffer from 'Cognitive Overload' when presented with advanced concepts like the Red Queen Hypothesis and Molecular Mimicry.
Consequently, they overlook the fundamental NCERT anatomical fact: Lymphocyte maturation (antigen-independent) occurs in Primary Lymphoid Organs (Thymus/Bone Marrow), whereas activation (antigen-dependent) occurs in Secondary Lymphoid Organs (Spleen/Lymph Nodes).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Chemical Coordination and Integration - Class 11 |
| Concept | Thymosin Specificity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |