In previous chapters,you learned about osmotic and diffusion gradients that aid in maintaining water and ion balance and in developing resting potentials in cells,among other important biological features.How does the immune system of vertebrates exploit a chemical gradient?
A)The immune system produces thousands of histamines that act solely to create a histamine diffusion barrier.
B)The immune system generates a gradient of reactive oxygen intermediates to increase the amount of toxic radicals and peroxides to combat invading pathogens.
C)The immune system releases chemical signals called chemokines,which create a chemical gradient that leukocytes use in migrating toward the infection site.
D)The vertebrate immune system does not use chemical gradients.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The immune system releases chemokines, which create a chemical gradient that leukocytes use in migrating toward the infection site. By releasing chemokines at the site of infection, the immune system creates a concentration gradient that attracts immune cells to the site of infection, thus aiding in the eradication of the pathogen.

In Previous Chapters,you Learned About Osmotic and Diffusion Gradients That