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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the most specific internal defense against disease?
A
Phagocytosis by macrophages
B
Fever
C
Inflammatory response
D
Antibody-mediated immune response
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the question: The problem is asking about the most specific internal defense mechanism against disease. This requires distinguishing between general (nonspecific) and specific (adaptive) immune responses.
Review the immune system: The immune system has two main branches: innate immunity (nonspecific defenses like phagocytosis, fever, and inflammation) and adaptive immunity (specific defenses like antibody-mediated responses).
Analyze the options: Phagocytosis by macrophages, fever, and the inflammatory response are all part of the innate immune system, which provides a general defense against pathogens but does not target specific invaders.
Focus on the antibody-mediated immune response: This is part of the adaptive immune system, which is highly specific. Antibodies are produced by B cells in response to specific antigens (foreign molecules) and are tailored to neutralize or destroy those particular pathogens.
Conclude that the antibody-mediated immune response is the most specific internal defense because it targets specific pathogens based on their unique antigens, unlike the other options, which are general responses.