Question

How do phagocytes detect pathogens, and have these detection mechanisms remained constant over time?

a) Phagocytes use specific receptors known as PRRs to detect pathogens, and these receptors have evolved over time.
b) Detection mechanisms have changed over time, and new receptors are added through vaccination.
c) The exact receptors present in today's phagocytes were also present 2000 years ago.
d) Phagocytes rely solely on general PRRs, making their detection capabilities constant.

Answer 1

Phagocytes detect pathogens using receptors called pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) which have evolved over time. The detection mechanisms of phagocytes have changed and new receptors can be added through vaccination. The exact receptors present in today's phagocytes were not present 2000 years ago.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phagocytes detect pathogens using specific receptors known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These receptors recognize characteristic features of pathogens and molecules released by damaged cells. PRRs have evolved over time to enhance the detection capabilities of phagocytes.

The detection mechanisms of phagocytes have not remained constant over time. New receptors can be added through vaccination, which provides phagocytes with additional PRRs to recognize specific pathogens.

The exact receptors present in today's phagocytes were not present 2000 years ago. The immune system has evolved and developed new receptors to detect a wide variety of pathogens.