Where do B cells mature?
- A. Bone marrow
- B. Thymus
- C. Spleen
- D. Lymph nodes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bone marrow. B cells mature in the bone marrow where they develop from hematopoietic stem cells. This process involves gene rearrangement and selection for self-tolerance. The bone marrow provides a microenvironment necessary for B cell development. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the thymus is where T cells mature, the spleen is involved in immune responses but not B cell maturation, and lymph nodes are sites for immune cell activation and proliferation but not B cell maturation.
You may also like to solve these questions
A co-receptor on target cells for HIV is
- A. gp120
- B. CR4
- C. CR5
- D. CXCR4
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: CXCR4. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that serves as a co-receptor for HIV entry into target cells. Step 1: HIV binds to CD4 receptor on the target cell. Step 2: The viral envelope protein gp120 then interacts with either CXCR4 or CCR5 co-receptor to facilitate viral entry. Step 3: In the case of CXCR4-tropic HIV strains, CXCR4 is the co-receptor used for entry into the target cell. Therefore, choice D is correct. Choices A (gp120) and C (CR5) are incorrect as they are not co-receptors, while choice B (CR4) is not a known co-receptor for HIV entry.
Which antibody isotype is most abundant in circulation?
- A. IgA
- B. IgG
- C. IgE
- D. IgM
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: IgG. IgG is the most abundant antibody isotype in circulation, constituting about 75% of total antibodies. This is because IgG is produced during secondary immune responses and has a longer half-life compared to other isotypes, allowing it to accumulate in circulation. IgA is mainly found in mucosal surfaces, IgE is associated with allergic reactions, and IgM is the first antibody produced in a primary immune response. Therefore, IgG is the most abundant in circulation due to its longevity and role in secondary immune responses.
What is a hallmark of Type IV hypersensitivity?
- A. It is immediate and IgE-mediated
- B. It is delayed and T cell-mediated
- C. It involves immune complexes
- D. It stimulates mast cells to release histamine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are delayed and T cell-mediated. Upon exposure to an antigen, sensitized T cells, specifically CD4+ T cells, release cytokines that recruit and activate macrophages and other effector cells, leading to tissue damage. Choice A is incorrect because Type I hypersensitivity reactions are immediate and IgE-mediated. Choice C is incorrect because immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity reactions are typically associated with Type III hypersensitivity. Choice D is incorrect because histamine release by mast cells is characteristic of Type I hypersensitivity reactions, not Type IV.
Which of these are a type of mutation?
- A. base substitution
- B. translocation
- C. insertion sequences
- D. recombination
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: recombination. Recombination is a type of mutation that involves the exchange of genetic material between two DNA molecules. This process can lead to genetic variation and evolution. Base substitution (A) is a point mutation where one base is replaced by another. Translocation (B) involves the movement of a segment of DNA to another location in the genome. Insertion sequences (C) are short segments of DNA that can move within the genome but are not considered a type of mutation. Recombination (D) is the only choice directly related to a type of mutation involving the exchange of genetic material.
One of the most significant factors in determining when to start antiretroviral therapy in a patient with HIV infection is:
- A. Whether the patient has high levels of HIV antibodies
- B. Confirmation that the patient has contracted HIV infection
- C. The patient’s readiness to commit to a complex, lifelong, uncomfortable drug regimen
- D. Whether the patient has a support system to help manage the costs and side effects of the drugs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patient adherence is critical for successful antiretroviral therapy. Ensuring the patient is prepared to follow the regimen long-term improves outcomes.