A researcher who detects a higher-than-normal amount of interferon in a laboratory rat would correctly conclude that
A) the rat has, or recently had, a viral infection.
B) cancerous cells are present in the rat.
C) the rat's diet is deficient in calcium.
D) monocytes are differentiating into macrophages in the rat's bloodstream.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interferon is a protein that is released by cells in response to viral infection. Its primary function is to inhibit the replication of viruses and activate immune cells. Therefore, detection of higher-than-normal levels of interferon in a laboratory rat would indicate that the rat has, or recently had, a viral infection.

A Researcher Who Detects a Higher-Than-Normal Amount of Interferon in a Laboratory