Question

Match the cell type to its function.

Secrete perforins as part of the nonspecific defense mechanism.

A) macrophages
B) helper T cells
C) mast cells
D) B cells
E) natural killer cells
F) cytotoxic T cells
G) plasma cells

Answer 1

Natural killer (NK) cells secrete perforins as part of the nonspecific defense mechanism, responsible for destroying nonself cells, such as virus-infected or cancerous cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of secreting perforins as part of the nonspecific defense mechanism is specifically carried out by natural killer (NK) cells. Perforins are proteins that create pores in the target cell's membrane, leading to its death. Thus, the correct match would be:

• Secrete perforins as part of the nonspecific defense mechanism: E) natural killer cells

To expand on the functions of other cell types, macrophages and cytotoxic T cells are both involved in the defensive response of the body but have different roles. Macrophages are capable of phagocytizing pathogens and producing chemicals that promote inflammation, whereas cytotoxic T cells are responsible for destroying virus-infected cells in the cell-mediated immune response.