asked 160k views
5 votes
a cell has experienced a mutation that results in uncontrolled cell division. which of the following types of defense cell would most likely interact with the mutated cell and how?

asked
User Kyndra
by
8.3k points

2 Answers

5 votes

Final answer:

Cytotoxic T cells, part of the adaptive immune system, are likely to interact with a cell that has mutated to divide uncontrollably, in an attempt to eliminate cancerous cells. These cells become activated when helper T cells recognize tumor antigens and release cytokines. If the apoptosis mechanism fails due to mutations, it can lead to cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

A cell that experiences a mutation resulting in uncontrolled cell division is indicative of a cancerous transformation. The immune system has specialized defense cells that can interact with such mutated or cancerous cells. Among these, cytotoxic T cells play a pivotal role in identifying and destroying cancerous cells.

These T cells, also known as killer T cells, target and eliminate cells that are either infected with pathogens or have become cancerous. They are part of the adaptive immune response and become activated when helper T cells recognize tumor antigens. Helper T cells release cytokines that further control the immune response. In contrast, apoptosis is a process that normally ensures that damaged or unwanted cells are effectively cleared away to maintain healthy tissue homeostasis. However, when mutations such as those in the p53 gene occur, the apoptotic process may fail, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer.

Mutated cells that bypass apoptosis and continue to divide uncontrollably can result in the formation of tumors and spread of cancer within the body. Therefore, cytotoxic T cells and other immune defenses, like natural killer cells, are critical for identifying and eliminating these dangerous cells before they can cause more harm.

answered
User Hrishi
by
9.0k points
5 votes

The type of defense cell that would likely interact with the mutated cell undergoing uncontrolled division is a Cytotoxic T cell (CTL).

Cytotoxic T cells play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating abnormal or mutated cells, such as those undergoing uncontrolled division. They recognize specific antigens presented on the surface of these abnormal cells, which trigger the cytotoxic T cell to bind to the mutated cell.

Once bound, the CTL releases cytotoxic chemicals, such as perforin and granzymes, which induce cell death (apoptosis) in the mutated cell, effectively eliminating it from the body. This process helps prevent the proliferation of mutated cells that could lead to issues like cancer or other disorders.

Question:

A cell has experienced a mutation that results in uncontrolled cell division. Which of the following types of defense cell would most likely interact with the mutated cell and how?

a. This is an antigen-presenting cell that interacts with the mutated cell through an MHC class Il molecule.

b. This is a cytotoxic T cell that interacts with the mutated cell through an MHC class II molecule.

c. This is an antigen-presenting cell that interacts with the mutated cell through an MHC class I molecule.

d. This is a cytotoxic T cell that interacts with the mutated cell through an MHC class I molecule.

answered
User Tobias Koller
by
7.6k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.