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Question #47416
The Question
During a cell-mediated immune response, Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (Tc cells) release perforins that polymerize to form large, non-selective transmembrane pores in a virus-infected target cell. What is the immediate physiological consequence of this event on the target cell's Resting Membrane Potential (RMP) and its subsequent cellular fate?
Options
- A.
The RMP hyperpolarizes to -90 mV due to rapid K+ efflux through the pores, directly activating intracellular caspases for apoptosis.
- B.
The RMP collapses to approximately 0 mV due to the loss of differential permeability, leading to an influx of Na+ and water, causing osmotic lysis.
- C.
The RMP reverses to +30 mV as massive Na+ influx generates an action potential, triggering calcium-induced cytotoxicity.
- D.
The RMP is maintained at -70 mV by the hyperactivation of Na+/K+ ATPase pumps, but the cell dies due to rapid ATP depletion.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Perforins|Granzymes|Membrane permeability
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question bridges Immunology (Human Health and Disease) with Neurophysiology (Neural Control and Coordination).
Students often memorize that Tc cells 'punch holes' to cause 'lysis' but fail to connect this to the collapse of the Resting Membrane Potential.
The trap lies in confusing the non-selective, catastrophic ion influx caused by perforins with the highly regulated, sequential ion fluxes of an action potential (Option C) or assuming only K+ leaves the cell (Option A).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Neural Control and Coordination - Class 11 |
| Concept | Resting Membrane Potential Ionic Flux |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |