Living Environment Regents Practice Test

How does the human body typically respond to bacterial infection?

1. Produces red blood cells

2. Reduces body temperature

3. Produces white blood cells and antibodies

4. Increases fat storage

The correct answer is: Produces white blood cells and antibodies

The human body typically responds to bacterial infections by producing white blood cells and antibodies. This response is part of the immune system's activation to recognize and eliminate the invading bacteria. White blood cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, are crucial for identifying and attacking pathogens. They can engulf and destroy bacteria through a process called phagocytosis. Furthermore, the body generates antibodies—proteins that specifically target and neutralize bacteria and their toxins. Antibodies can tag pathogens for destruction by other immune cells and prevent the bacteria from causing harm or replicating in the body. This response is a vital part of the adaptive immune system, allowing the body not only to combat the current infection but also to develop immunological memory for a more rapid response to future encounters with the same pathogen. Other responses to bacterial infection, like producing red blood cells, reducing body temperature, or increasing fat storage, do not directly address the immediate need to fight off bacterial pathogens. For instance, red blood cell production is more associated with oxygen transport and anemia rather than infection response. Body temperature may change due to fever, a natural response to help eliminate bacteria, but it does not directly involve pathogen elimination mechanisms. Similarly, increasing fat storage is not a typical immunological