Nokea
Which antibody is transported across the placenta?
- A. IgA
- B. IgM
- C. IgG
- D. IgE
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: IgG. IgG is the only antibody that can be transported across the placenta from the mother to the fetus, providing passive immunity to the newborn. This transfer of IgG occurs through the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) present in the placenta. IgA is primarily found in mucosal secretions, IgM is too large to cross the placenta, and IgE is involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections, not placental transfer. Therefore, IgG is the only antibody capable of crossing the placenta and providing immune protection to the fetus.
You may also like to solve these questions
Vibrations from the sound waves are amplified by
- A. the eardrum
- B. Anvi
- C. Stirrup
- D. All above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: All above. The vibrations from sound waves are amplified by the eardrum, Anvil (also known as the Incus), and Stirrup (also known as the Stapes), which are the three tiny bones in the middle ear. The sound waves travel through the ear canal and hit the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. The vibration is then transmitted through the Anvil to the Stirrup, which amplifies the vibrations and sends them to the inner ear. Each of these three components plays a crucial role in the process of amplifying sound vibrations for better auditory perception. Therefore, all three choices are correct in this context.
What is required for sensitization in contact hypersensitivity?
- A. Antigen-antibody complex formation
- B. T cell presentation of a hapten-modified antigen
- C. Mast cell degranulation
- D. Cytokine suppression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because sensitization in contact hypersensitivity requires T cell presentation of a hapten-modified antigen. This process activates T cells, leading to immune response. Antigen-antibody complex formation (A) is more related to immune responses in humoral immunity. Mast cell degranulation (C) is associated with allergic reactions, not contact hypersensitivity. Cytokine suppression (D) would hinder, not promote, the immune response needed for sensitization in contact hypersensitivity.
What is the significance of isotype switching in B cells?
- A. It enables the production of IgM only
- B. It enhances antibody affinity for antigens
- C. It changes the constant region to produce different antibody isotypes
- D. It eliminates antigen-specific B cells
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Isotype switching in B cells involves changing the constant region to produce different antibody isotypes, such as IgG, IgA, or IgE. This is important for diversifying the functions of antibodies without altering antigen specificity. It allows for different effector functions, such as opsonization, neutralization, or complement activation. This process does not eliminate antigen-specific B cells, as it maintains the immunological memory. Isotype switching does not directly affect antibody affinity for antigens, which is primarily determined by somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. It is not limited to producing IgM only, as B cells can switch to other isotypes based on the cytokine microenvironment.
How do cytokines typically function in the body?
- A. In an endocrine manner
- B. In an autocrine and paracrine manner
- C. Solely by direct contact with pathogens
- D. By degrading immune cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because cytokines primarily function in an autocrine and paracrine manner. Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell produces a cytokine that acts on the same cell, while paracrine signaling involves cytokines acting on nearby cells. This allows cytokines to regulate immune responses locally. Option A is incorrect as endocrine signaling involves hormones acting on distant target cells via the bloodstream, which is not the primary function of cytokines. Option C is incorrect because cytokines do not require direct contact with pathogens to function. Option D is incorrect as cytokines do not degrade immune cells but rather regulate immune responses.
The HIV protein that allows fusion of the viral envelope with the cell plasma membrane is
- A. gp120
- B. gp41
- C. gp160
- D. CXCR4
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: gp41. Gp41 is responsible for the fusion of the viral envelope with the cell plasma membrane by undergoing conformational changes that allow the viral and cellular membranes to merge. Gp120 attaches to the host cell receptor (CD4), facilitating the binding of the virus to the host cell. Gp160 is the precursor protein that is cleaved into gp120 and gp41 during viral maturation. CXCR4 is a cellular co-receptor used by some strains of HIV to enter host cells but is not directly involved in the fusion process.