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Question #46529
The Question
The concept of 'carrying capacity' (K) in population ecology can be mapped to the 'lymphocyte homeostatic space' in immunology, where survival cytokines act as limiting resources. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) function as a density-dependent control mechanism to prevent the overpopulation of self-reactive lymphocytes. If a patient develops severe autoimmunity (e.g., Rheumatoid arthritis) due to Treg failure, which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding this biological phenomenon?
Options
- A.
The failure of Tregs removes the 'environmental resistance', allowing self-reactive clones to shift from logistic to exponential (J-shaped) growth.
- B.
The unchecked clonal expansion of autoreactive T-cells mimics a population that has bypassed its carrying capacity (K) due to a loss of negative feedback.
- C.
The interaction between the proliferating autoreactive clones and the host's healthy tissues is ecologically analogous to amensalism.
- D.
The resulting autoimmune state represents a failure of the immune system to distinguish self from non-self, leading to a density-dependent collapse of local tissue homeostasis.
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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
K-selection|Density_Dependent_Feedback|Immune_Surveillance
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Population Interactions (Ecology) with Immune System Disorders (Human Health).
Students often memorize 'Amensalism' as 'harm without benefit' but fail to recognize that in autoimmunity, the autoreactive clones do benefit (they undergo clonal expansion and survive), making it a (+, -) interaction.
Furthermore, it tests the synthesis of Verhulst-Pearl logistic growth concepts with immunological homeostasis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Autoimmunity Principles |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |