Final answer:
Cytotoxic T cells release molecules called perforins that create pores in the membranes of infected cells, through which granzymes induce apoptosis to control infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cytotoxic T cells are crucial components of cellular immunity, particularly in targeting and eliminating cells infected with intracellular pathogens, such as viruses. These cells recognize infected cells using a T Cell Receptor (TCR) that identifies specific pathogen epitopes presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex I (MHC I) molecules on the surface of infected cells. Upon recognition, cytotoxic T cells release molecules known as perforins and granzymes. Perforins are proteins responsible for forming pores in the plasma membrane of the target, or infected, cell. Once the pores are created by the perforins, another type of molecule called granzymes enter through these pores and induce apoptosis, leading to the death of the infected cell in a controlled manner. This process prevents the release and spread of pathogens, ensuring the infection does not spread to neighboring cells. Therefore, the correct answer to the question about the type of molecules contained in Cytotoxic T cells that punch holes in the plasma membranes of potential pathogens is c) Perforins.