Questions: Question 31 of 50 Which of the following immune system molecules creates holes in the cell membranes of pathogens to kill them? PREVIOUS Lymphocytes Cytokines Perforins Interferons CONTINUE Full access to this content is available to Osmosis Prime subscribers only. Copyright © 2023. Astounding Technologies Institute, LLC. All rights reserved.

The answer is the third one (C): Perforins.

Explanation for each option:

• Lymphocytes: These are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response. They include T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, but they do not directly create holes in cell membranes.

• Cytokines: These are signaling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. They do not create holes in cell membranes.

• Perforins: These are proteins released by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. They create pores in the membranes of target cells, leading to cell death. This is the correct answer.

• Interferons: These are proteins that are part of the immune response to viruses. They help to inhibit viral replication and modulate the immune system, but they do not create holes in cell membranes.

In summary, perforins are the immune system molecules responsible for creating holes in the cell membranes of pathogens to kill them.