Q.Which of the following are the reason(s) for Rheumatoid arthritis? Choose the correct option.
i. The ability to differentiate pathogens or foreign molecules from self cells increases.
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

Our immune system has a remarkable ability to distinguish between self-cells and foreign cells or pathogens. This discrimination is crucial for protecting the body without harming its own tissues.

However, sometimes the immune system malfunctions. In such cases, it loses its ability to differentiate between self and non-self. When this happens, the body's immune cells begin to attack its own healthy cells and tissues, leading to what are known as autoimmune diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a prime example of an autoimmune disease. Here, the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and damage.

Considering the options:

• Statement (i) is incorrect because the ability to differentiate self from non-self is lost, not increased.
• Statement (ii) is correct as the body indeed attacks its own cells in autoimmune conditions.
• Statement (iii) is not the primary reason; while antibodies might be involved in the attack, the fundamental issue is the misdirection of the immune response, not just an increase in antibody production. …

Our immune system is a remarkable defence mechanism, designed to protect us from a vast array of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. A cornerstone of this protection is its ability to accurately differentiate between "self" cells – those belonging to our own body – and "non-self" cells or foreign molecules. This critical recognition allows the immune system to target and eliminate threats without harming our own tissues.

However, sometimes this intricate system goes awry. In certain conditions, the immune system loses its ability to distinguish between self and non-self. When this happens, it mistakenly identifies the body's own cells as foreign invaders and mounts an immune response against them. Such conditions are known as autoimmune diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic example of an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system specifically targets the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint damage. The underlying problem is a fundamental breakdown in immune tolerance.

Let's examine the given options in light of this understanding:

• i. The ability to differentiate pathogens or foreign molecules from self cells increases. This statement is incorrect. If this ability increased, the immune system would be even better at avoiding self-attack, which is the opposite of what happens in autoimmune diseases.
• ii. Body attacks self cells. This is a defining characteristic of all autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system, having lost its self-recognition, directs its attack towards the body's own tissues. …

Method: Truth-Table the Four Statements First, Then Match the Option

Rather than reasoning through the statements in the order given, mark each Roman-numeral

statement independently True or False BEFORE looking at the answer options — this avoids

being anchored by an option's own phrasing.