A Level Biology Practice Exam

What term describes the condition resulting from the immune system attacking its own cells?

1. Autoimmune response

2. Allergic reaction

3. Pathogenic infection

4. Inflammatory response

The correct answer is: Autoimmune response

The correct term for the condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells is the autoimmune response. This occurs when the body's immune system, which is normally designed to protect against pathogens like bacteria and viruses, fails to distinguish between foreign invaders and its own healthy tissues. As a result, the immune system begins to target and damage these self-cells, leading to various autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Other terms mentioned are not related to this specific condition. An allergic reaction involves the immune system responding to harmless substances (allergens) as if they were threats, which is a different process. A pathogenic infection refers to the invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms that can cause disease, while an inflammatory response is a general immune response aimed at fighting off infections or injuries but does not necessarily involve attacking self-cells.