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Question #46350
The Question
During the erythrocytic phase of a Plasmodium infection, the rupture of RBCs releases haemozoin, causing classic malarial paroxysms. However, clinical observations show that the resulting hemolytic anemia is often disproportionately severe compared to the actual parasitemia (percentage of infected RBCs). Which of the following best explains this pathophysiological discrepancy?
Options
- A.
Haemozoin acts as a competitive inhibitor of iron absorption in the duodenal mucosa, rapidly halting new erythropoiesis.
- B.
Haemozoin-induced systemic inflammation causes splenic hypertrophy, which paradoxically accelerates the sequestration and destruction of uninfected, healthy erythrocytes.
- C.
Merozoites release haemozoin into the blood plasma, which acts as a direct hemolytic toxin that dissolves the lipid bilayer of adjacent uninfected erythrocytes.
- D.
The accumulation of haemozoin in the liver stimulates Kupffer cells to selectively destroy reticulocytes before they can mature into functional erythrocytes.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Erythrocyte|Plasmodium_vivax|Spleen
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often assume that malarial anemia is solely due to the direct mechanical rupture of RBCs by exiting merozoites.
This question tests the synthesis of two NCERT concepts: the release of haemozoin in malaria (Human Health and Disease) and the spleen's role as the RBC graveyard (Body Fluids and Circulation), highlighting the host's immune-mediated collateral damage (hypersplenism).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Body Fluids and Circulation - Class 11 |
| Concept | Erythrocyte Lifecycle and Location |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |