Which term best completes the sentence: Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist and destroy __________?

Which term best completes the sentence: Immunity refers to the body's ability to resist and destroy __________?

• A. pathogens
• B. toxins
• C. bacteria
• D. viruses

Answer: (A)

Immunity is the body's defense against invading disease-causing organisms. The best fit is pathogens because they include all such invaders—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that the immune system works to resist and destroy. Toxins are harmful substances some pathogens produce, and while the immune system can neutralize toxins, immunity primarily targets live invaders. Choosing pathogens covers the broad range of organisms the body defends against, whereas bacteria or viruses alone describe only one type of pathogen.

Immunity is the body's defense against invading disease-causing organisms. The best fit is pathogens because they include all such invaders—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—that the immune system works to resist and destroy. Toxins are harmful substances some pathogens produce, and while the immune system can neutralize toxins, immunity primarily targets live invaders. Choosing pathogens covers the broad range of organisms the body defends against, whereas bacteria or viruses alone describe only one type of pathogen.