What is the role of innate immunity in relation to adaptive immunity?
- A. It suppresses adaptive immunity
- B. It instructs and activates adaptive immunity
- C. It replaces adaptive immunity during infections
- D. It functions independently of adaptive immunity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because innate immunity instructs and activates adaptive immunity. Innate immunity serves as the first line of defense against pathogens, recognizing and initiating a response to pathogens. It then communicates with adaptive immunity, providing signals and antigens to activate and guide the adaptive immune response. This collaboration is crucial for the effective elimination of pathogens. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because innate immunity does not suppress, replace, or function independently of adaptive immunity; rather, they work together in a coordinated manner to provide a comprehensive immune response.
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The nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which immunoglobulin should the nurse understand is produced first when an infection occurs?
- A. IgD
- B. IgE
- C. IgG
- D. IgM
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why IgM is the correct answer:
1. IgM is the first immunoglobulin produced in response to an infection.
2. It is the largest immunoglobulin and is effective in agglutinating pathogens.
3. IgM activates the complement system to enhance immune response.
4. IgG is produced later in the immune response and provides long-term immunity.
5. IgD and IgE have specific roles but are not the initial immunoglobulins produced in response to infection.
The bacterial cytoplasmic membrane contains:
- A. ester-linked phospholipids, but no sterols
- B. ester-linked phospholipids and sterols
- C. ether-linked phospholipids, but no sterols
- D. ether-linked phospholipids, sulfolipids, and glycolipids
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because bacterial cytoplasmic membranes typically contain ester-linked phospholipids but no sterols. Ester-linked phospholipids are the main component of bacterial cell membranes, providing structure and function. Sterols, like cholesterol, are not commonly found in bacterial membranes. Choice B is incorrect because sterols are not present in bacterial membranes. Choice C is incorrect because ether-linked phospholipids are more commonly found in archaea, not bacteria. Choice D is incorrect because sulfolipids and glycolipids are not primary components of bacterial cytoplasmic membranes.
The process of somatic hypermutation:
- A. Can lead to the formation of antibodies with higher affinity for the antigen
- B. Occurs mainly in the CDR regions of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes
- C. Occurs in germinal centres
- D. All of the above are correct
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because somatic hypermutation can lead to the formation of antibodies with higher affinity for the antigen by introducing point mutations in the variable regions of immunoglobulin genes. This process mainly occurs in the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes, which are critical for antigen binding. Somatic hypermutation takes place in the germinal centers of secondary lymphoid organs, where B cells undergo rapid proliferation and selection based on antigen binding affinity. Therefore, all the statements in choices A, B, and C are correct, making option D the right answer.
Which historical event provides evidence for immune adaptation?
- A. Spanish flu pandemic
- B. The Black Death caused by Yersinia pestis
- C. HIV/AIDS epidemic
- D. The eradication of smallpox
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Black Death caused by Yersinia pestis is the correct answer because it led to immune adaptation in survivors. Yersinia pestis triggered the body to develop immunity. The Spanish flu pandemic, HIV/AIDS epidemic, and eradication of smallpox did not directly result in immune adaptation like the Black Death. The Spanish flu and HIV/AIDS were caused by viruses that did not lead to long-term immunity, and smallpox eradication was achieved through vaccinations, not natural immune adaptation.
Memory T cells
- A. Recirculate through blood and secondary lymphoid tissues
- B. Have never encountered antigen
- C. Have a lower threshold of activation than naïve T cells
- D. Have a higher frequency than their naïve counterparts
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because memory T cells have a lower threshold of activation than naïve T cells. This is because memory T cells have already been primed by previous exposure to antigens, making them more responsive upon re-exposure. This heightened sensitivity allows memory T cells to mount a faster and stronger immune response upon encountering the same antigen again.
Choice A is incorrect because memory T cells primarily reside in peripheral tissues and not in secondary lymphoid tissues. Choice B is incorrect because memory T cells have encountered antigens before. Choice D is incorrect because memory T cells exist in a lower frequency compared to naïve T cells due to clonal expansion during the primary immune response.