HBS 3.2 Test: Understanding Pathogens and Immune Responses

Which of the following best describes how bacteria cause disease in the human body?

• By producing toxins that damage tissues

• By directly attacking red blood cells only

• By increasing the body’s temperature

• By producing antibodies

What is the primary function of white blood cells during an immune response to a viral infection?

• To produce insulin

• To engulf and destroy infected cells

• To transport oxygen

• To digest food particles

Which statement best explains how vaccines help protect against diseases?

• Vaccines kill all bacteria in the body

• Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce memory cells

• Vaccines increase the number of red blood cells

• Vaccines directly destroy viruses

What is antibiotic resistance?

• When antibiotics become stronger over time

• When bacteria change and are no longer killed by antibiotics

• When the immune system attacks antibiotics

• When viruses become resistant to antibiotics

Which part of the immune system is primarily responsible for producing antibodies?

• Red blood cells

• B lymphocytes (B cells)

• Platelets

• Skin cells

How do cytotoxic T cells help fight viral infections?

• By producing antibodies

• By directly killing infected cells

• By digesting food particles

• By producing insulin

What is the main role of memory cells in the immune system?

• To produce insulin

• To remember past infections and respond quickly

• To transport oxygen

• To digest bacteria

Which of the following best describes how a vaccine works to prevent future infections?

• It kills all pathogens in the body

• It trains the immune system to recognize and respond to specific pathogens

• It increases the number of red blood cells

• It directly destroys toxins

Why are antibiotics not effective against viral infections?

• Viruses are too small for antibiotics to reach

• Antibiotics target structures found only in bacteria

• Viruses have cell walls that resist antibiotics

• Antibiotics only work in the bloodstream

A patient is diagnosed with a bacterial infection that is not responding to standard antibiotics. Using your understanding of antibiotic resistance, explain why this might be happening and suggest a possible next step in treatment.

• The bacteria have developed resistance; a different class of antibiotics may be needed

• The patient’s immune system is too strong

• The infection is actually viral, so antibiotics are not needed

• The patient should stop all medications