Question

1. streptococcal bacteria is a pathogen that causes a condition called strep throat. a student encounters this pathogen while drinking from a water fountain used by an infected student. what is the function of the immune system in helping this student’s body fight off the pathogen? a) the bacteria are caught in the mucus produced in the nose and throat. b) the body begins to fight off the infection with the use of white blood cells. c) the body produces antibodies to fight off the bacteria. d) the bacteria cannot get past the skin layer unless there is a cut in the skin.

Explanation:

To determine the function of the immune system in fighting off the streptococcal bacteria (pathogen), we analyze each option:

• Option A: Mucus trapping bacteria is a non - specific defense (mucous membranes), not the immune system's function here. The immune system's response to a pathogen like this involves specific defenses.
• Option B: White blood cells are part of the immune system, but the initial fight against a new pathogen (like when first encountered) involves the production of antibodies. White blood cells like B - cells produce antibodies, but the key function of the immune system in fighting off the pathogen here is antibody production.
• Option C: When a pathogen (streptococcal bacteria) enters the body, the immune system (specifically B - cells) produces antibodies. Antibodies are specific to the pathogen and help neutralize or mark it for destruction. This is the main function of the immune system in fighting off the pathogen when it is encountered (like drinking from an infected water fountain).
• Option D: The skin is a physical barrier (non - specific defense), not part of the immune system's response to a pathogen that has entered the body through the mouth (drinking from a fountain), so this is irrelevant.

Answer:

C. The body produces antibodies to fight off the bacteria.