Question

Which of the following are the reasons for rheumatoid arthritis?

(i) Lymphocytes become more active.
(ii) Body attacks self cells.
(iii) More antibodies are produced in the body.
(iv) The ability to differentiate pathogens or foreign molecules from self cells is lost.

• A. ii and iv
• B. i and iv
• C. ii, iii and iv
• D. ii, iii and iv

Answer 1

The correct option is A ii and iv

Autoimmunity :
The condition of the body in which the body fails to differentiate between self and non-self cells and start attacking self cells is called autoimmunity.
Examples include rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis :
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling.

Statement (i) :
Lymphocytes become more active.

Elaboration : Lymphocytes in the body become more active in infections. Examples include typhoid, tuberculosis etc. Hence the given statement (i) is incorrect.

Statement (ii) :
Body attacks self cells.

Elaboration : Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own cells. Here the immune system attacks the joints. Hence the given statement (ii) is correct.

Statement (iii) :
More antibodies are produced in the body.

Elaboration : Antibodies are not produced in rheumatoid arthritis as the body attacks its own cell and foreign pathogens are not involved. Autoantibodies are produced in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Examples include rheumatoid factors (RF), anti‐perinuclear factor (APF), anti‐keratin antibodies (AKA) etc. Hence the given statement (iii) is incorrect.

Statement (iv) :
The ability to differentiate pathogens or foreign molecules from self cells is lost.

Elaboration : Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of autoimmune disorder. Hence in this condition the body fails to differentiate between self and non-self cells and starts attacking its own body cells. So the given statement (iv) is correct.

Final answer :
(b) ii and iv