The 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three researchers, including Jules Hoffman and Bruce Beutler, for their discoveries leading to the characterization of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family of molecules. This family of molecules is encoded by genes in a wide variety of eukaryotes [yoo-KAR-ee-ohts], ranging from flies to humans, and plays an important role in which of the following processes?

W) Recognizing pathogens in the immune system

X) Breaking down lipids in the digestive system

Y) Regulating neurotransmitters in the nervous system

Z) Enabling meiosis [my-OH-sis] in the reproductive system
W) RECOGNIZING PATHOGENS IN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM