What do pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) identify?
- A. Specific antigens
- B. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)
- C. Host self-proteins
- D. Specific viruses only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) identify Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) because PAMPs are unique molecules found on pathogens that trigger an immune response. PRRs recognize these patterns to distinguish between self and non-self. This recognition is crucial for initiating an immune response against potential threats. Specific antigens (A) and specific viruses only (D) are too narrow in scope as PRRs are designed to detect a wide range of patterns. Host self-proteins (C) are recognized by other mechanisms in the immune system to prevent autoimmunity.
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Which of the following lymphoid tissues has both hematopoietic and immune functions and acts as an emergency reservoir of blood and filters the blood as well?
- A. Tonsils and adenoids
- B. Thymus gland
- C. Spleen
- D. Lymph nodes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The spleen has both hematopoietic and immune functions acting as a blood filter and reservoir and plays a key role in removing old or damaged red blood cells.
What is the lag phase of the primary antibody response?
- A. 1-3 days
- B. 5-10 days
- C. 10-15 days
- D. No lag phase
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The lag phase of the primary antibody response refers to the time it takes for the immune system to generate specific antibodies after initial exposure to an antigen. The correct answer is B (5-10 days) because during this period, B cells are activated, undergo proliferation, differentiate into plasma cells, and start producing antibodies. This process takes time as the immune system needs to recognize the antigen, mount a response, and produce sufficient antibodies. Option A (1-3 days) is too short for the full activation and differentiation of B cells. Option C (10-15 days) is too long for the typical lag phase duration. Option D (No lag phase) is incorrect because there is always a lag phase before the peak antibody production in the primary immune response.
Which classification of chemotherapy drugs is cell cycle phase–nonspecific, breaks the DNA helix which interferes with DNA replication, and crosses the blood-brain barrier?
- A. Nitrosureas
- B. Antimetabolites
- C. Mitotic inhibitors
- D. Antitumor antibiotics
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nitrosureas are cell cycle phase–nonspecific, disrupt DNA replication, and cross the blood-brain barrier.
What is a significant consequence of the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens?
- A. Pathogens evolve slower than hosts
- B. Hosts develop epigenetic changes for immune adaptation
- C. Mutations in hosts always outpace pathogen evolution
- D. Hosts and pathogens remain static in their interactions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hosts developing epigenetic changes for immune adaptation is a significant consequence of the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens. This adaptation allows hosts to better defend against evolving pathogens over time. This process is dynamic, as both hosts and pathogens continuously evolve in response to each other.
Choice A is incorrect because pathogens can evolve rapidly to adapt to host defenses. Choice C is incorrect because while hosts may have mutations that provide advantages, pathogens can also evolve to overcome host defenses. Choice D is incorrect as the interaction between hosts and pathogens is characterized by constant adaptation and change, not remaining static.
What is the process called when a specific lymphocyte binds its antigen and proliferates?
- A. Clonal deletion
- B. Clonal selection
- C. Antigen presentation
- D. Cytokine signaling
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clonal selection. During clonal selection, a specific lymphocyte recognizes its specific antigen, binds to it, and undergoes proliferation to generate a large population of identical cells to combat the antigen efficiently. This process ensures an effective immune response.
Incorrect choices:
A: Clonal deletion - This process involves the elimination of self-reactive lymphocytes to prevent autoimmunity, not the proliferation of antigen-specific lymphocytes.
C: Antigen presentation - This is the process by which antigens are displayed to immune cells for recognition, not the proliferation of lymphocytes.
D: Cytokine signaling - While cytokines play a role in immune responses, they are not directly involved in the proliferation of lymphocytes in response to specific antigens.