Skip to main content
Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 22 The Lymphatic System and ImmunityProblem 8
Chapter 22, Problem 8

Perforins are proteins associated with the activity of
(a) T cells
(b) B cells
(c) NK cells
(d) Plasma cells

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of perforins: Perforins are proteins that create pores in the membranes of target cells, leading to cell lysis and death.
Identify which immune cells use perforins: Perforins are primarily used by cytotoxic cells to destroy infected or abnormal cells.
Recall that T cells, specifically cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), use perforins to kill virus-infected cells.
Recognize that Natural Killer (NK) cells also use perforins to destroy target cells without prior sensitization.
Conclude that both T cells (cytotoxic) and NK cells are associated with perforin activity, but since the question asks for the best match, NK cells (option c) are the classic cells known for perforin-mediated cytotoxicity.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Perforins

Perforins are proteins that create pores in the membranes of target cells, leading to cell lysis. They are crucial in the immune response for destroying infected or abnormal cells by allowing entry of cytotoxic molecules.
Recommended video:
6:21
Functions of Cytotoxic T Cells

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

NK cells are a type of lymphocyte involved in the innate immune system. They use perforins and granzymes to kill virus-infected cells and tumor cells without prior sensitization.
Recommended video:
6:53
Natural Killer Cells

Cytotoxic T Cells

Cytotoxic T cells (a subset of T cells) recognize and kill infected or cancerous cells by releasing perforins and granzymes. They are part of the adaptive immune response and require antigen presentation for activation.
Recommended video:
4:27
Review of Cytotoxic vs Helper T Cells
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Phagocytes move through capillary walls by squeezing between adjacent endothelial cells, a process known as

(a) Diapedesis

(b) Chemotaxis

(c) Adhesion

(d) Perforation

2
views
Textbook Question

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

(a) Is responsible for forming lymphocytes

(b) Produces antibodies in lymph glands

(c) Is a group of genes that codes for human leukocyte antigens

(d) Is a membrane protein that can recognize foreign antigens

(e) Is the antigen found on bacteria that stimulates an immune response

7
views
Textbook Question

CD4 markers are associated with

(a) Cytotoxic T cells

(b) Regulatory T cells

(c) Helper T cells

(d) All of these

1
views
Textbook Question

The most beneficial effect of fever is that it

(a) Inhibits the spread of some bacteria and viruses

(b) Increases the metabolic rate by up to 10 percent

(c) Stimulates the release of pyrogens

(d) Achieves a and b

2
views
Textbook Question

Complement activation

(a) Stimulates inflammation

(b) Attracts phagocytes

(c) Enhances phagocytosis

(d) Achieves a, b, and c

3
views
Textbook Question

Red blood cells that are damaged or defective are removed from the bloodstream by the

(a) Thymus

(b) Lymph nodes

(c) Spleen

(d) Tonsils

2
views