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Question #46513
The Question
Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) constitutes about 50% of the lymphoid tissue in the human body and provides the first line of defense at mucosal surfaces, primarily via secretory IgA. If a pathogenic bacterium evolves 'co-evolutionary resistance' by secreting IgA-specific proteases, which of the following represents the most likely consequence and the subsequent immunological shift required to clear the infection?
Options
- A.
The pathogen will immediately be opsonized by mucosal macrophages, bypassing the need for a systemic humoral response.
- B.
The primary mucosal defense fails, necessitating a shift to a systemic immune response mediated primarily by IgM and IgG to prevent dissemination.
- C.
MALT will undergo hypertrophy to produce excessive IgE, leading to localized allergic inflammation to flush out the pathogen.
- D.
The pathogen will suppress all antigen presentation, forcing the host to rely exclusively on innate physiological barriers like lysozyme.
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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
MALT Structure|Co-evolutionary Resistance|Primary vs Secondary Immune Response
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize isolated NCERT facts ('MALT is 50% of lymphoid tissue' and 'IgA is in secretions') without integrating them into a dynamic immunological sequence.
The question tests the functional distinction and spatial division of labor between mucosal immunity (IgA) and systemic immunity (IgG/IgM), and how pathogen evasion of the former necessitates the latter.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | MALT Structure |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |