[Campbell Biology P.1006] Mycobacterium tuberculosis is particularly difficult for the human ... | Practice Question

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is particularly difficult for the human immune system to eliminate because it has evolved an adaptation that allows it to:

  • A: Rapidly mutate its surface antigens to avoid recognition.
  • B: Produce powerful toxins that destroy immune cells before they can act.
  • C: Grow and reproduce inside host cells, effectively hiding from direct immune attack.
  • D: Form an impenetrable biofilm that prevents phagocytosis.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states regarding Mycobacterium tuberculosis : 'Rather than being destroyed, this bacterium grows and reproduces within host cells, effectively hidden from the body's immune defenses.' This adaptation allows it to evade detection and destruction by the immune system, leading to the chronic disease tuberculosis.