Inflammation and repair: pentraxins: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Inflammation and repair: pentraxins

Sample item

A patient with bacterial pneumonia shows markedly raised C-reactive protein. How does this acute phase protein help host defence?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Binds bacterial phosphocholine and activates complement as an opsonin

CRP is a pentraxin that binds phosphocholine on microbial surfaces and damaged cells, activating the classical complement pathway and acting as an opsonin. Its rapid rise makes it a useful marker of inflammation.

Option by option

  • A. Neutralises superoxide anions in tissue

    Superoxide neutralisation is done by superoxide dismutase.

  • B. Cross-links fibrin to stabilise clots

    Fibrin cross-linking is the role of factor XIII.

  • C. Binds free iron to reduce its availability to microbes

    Iron binding in inflammation is by lactoferrin and hepcidin-driven sequestration, not CRP.

  • D. Binds bacterial phosphocholine and activates complement as an opsonin (correct)

    Correct. CRP binds microbial phosphocholine, opsonises and fixes complement.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Binds bacterial phosphocholine and activates complement as an opsonin. CRP is a pentraxin that binds phosphocholine on microbial surfaces and damaged cells, activating the classical complement pathway and acting as an opsonin.

Why is "Neutralises superoxide anions in tissue" not the answer?

Superoxide neutralisation is done by superoxide dismutase.

Why is "Cross-links fibrin to stabilise clots" not the answer?

Fibrin cross-linking is the role of factor XIII.

Why is "Binds free iron to reduce its availability to microbes" not the answer?

Iron binding in inflammation is by lactoferrin and hepcidin-driven sequestration, not CRP.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation and repair: pentraxins in Pathology. Its rapid rise makes it a useful marker of inflammation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Inflammation and repair: pentraxins?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.