[Campbell Biology P.1010] What is the primary mechanism by which the immune system achieves s... | Practice Question

What is the primary mechanism by which the immune system achieves self-tolerance according to the "Origin of Self-Tolerance" section?

  • A: Activating self-reactive lymphocytes to become effector cells.
  • B: Eliminating or inactivating self-reactive lymphocytes through processes like apoptosis.
  • C: Preventing the random rearrangement of antigen receptor genes.
  • D: Increasing the number of antigen-binding specificities.

Explanation

The text states that self-reactive lymphocytes are "eliminated or inactivated" and that some are "destroyed by apoptosis." This is the primary mechanism for self-tolerance.