What can be inferred from the scientists' discovery?
(A) Cancer cells carry unique antigens - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 19 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 19
What can be inferred from the scientists' discovery?
(A) Cancer cells carry unique antigens.
(B) Self-antigens are not present on cancer cells.
(C) The melanoma p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What can be inferred from the scientists' discovery?
(A) Cancer cells carry unique antigens - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 19 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
A) Cancer cells carry unique antigens.
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Answer
This statement suggests that cancer cells express antigens that are not found on normal cells, which could trigger an immune response. However, this alone does not explain the failure of the immune system to recognize the cancer cells.
Step 2
B) Self-antigens are not present on cancer cells.
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This implies that cancer cells do not present normal self-antigens, which could prevent the immune system from recognizing them as something to attack. This statement could therefore support the notion of immune tolerance.
Step 3
C) The melanoma patient has a dysfunctional immune system.
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While a dysfunctional immune system may contribute to cancer development, this option directly does not logically follow from the information given about the antigens.
Step 4
D) The body cannot mount an immune response against cancer cells.
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This indicates that there is an inability of the immune system to respond to the cancer cells, which aligns with the observations of unique or absent self-antigens on these cells.
