Which part of an antibody determines its antigen specificity?
- A. Fc fragment
- B. Fab region
- C. Heavy chain constant region
- D. Light chain constant region
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fab region. The Fab region of an antibody contains the antigen-binding site, where specific interactions with antigens occur. This region is formed by the variable regions of both the heavy and light chains. The Fc fragment (choice A) is responsible for effector functions, not antigen specificity. The heavy chain constant region (choice C) and light chain constant region (choice D) are not involved in antigen binding, but rather provide structural support and determine the antibody class. Therefore, the Fab region is crucial for antigen specificity due to its variable regions that directly interact with antigens.
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Which of the following statements is false about dendritic cells
- A. Found in tissues
- B. Are sessile cells only found in lymph nodes
- C. Express high levels of MHC molecules
- D. Best at activating naïve T cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because dendritic cells are not only found in lymph nodes but also in tissues. These cells are antigen-presenting cells that capture and present antigens to T cells. A, C, and D are true statements about dendritic cells: A) They are found in tissues, C) They express high levels of MHC molecules for antigen presentation, and D) They are best at activating naive T cells due to their ability to prime adaptive immune responses.
Which of the following is a feature of antigen recognition by B cells?
- A. Their antigen receptors are never secreted
- B. Their antigen receptors recognize a fragment of protein in combination with an MHC molecule
- C. Their receptors each have two identical antigen binding sites
- D. They recognize pattern associated molecular structures (PAMPs) that are unique to a particular pathogen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because B cell receptors, known as antibodies, are Y-shaped proteins with two identical antigen-binding sites. This feature allows B cells to bind to specific antigens with high specificity. Each B cell receptor can bind to a unique antigen, leading to the initiation of an immune response.
Choice A is incorrect because B cell receptors can be secreted as antibodies to target antigens outside the cell.
Choice B is incorrect because B cell receptors recognize antigens directly, not in combination with MHC molecules.
Choice D is incorrect because B cells primarily recognize specific antigens rather than general PAMPs associated with pathogens.
Which antibody isotype is primarily involved in mucosal immunity?
- A. IgG
- B. IgA
- C. IgM
- D. IgE
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: IgA. IgA is primarily involved in mucosal immunity as it is the most abundant antibody present in mucosal secretions like saliva, tears, and breast milk. IgA plays a crucial role in preventing pathogens from entering the body through mucosal surfaces. IgG is more involved in systemic immunity, IgM is the first antibody produced in response to an infection, and IgE is associated with allergic reactions. Therefore, IgA is the most appropriate choice for mucosal immunity.
Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a disease caused by:
- A. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus
- B. One of several inherited genetic mutations
- C. Deficiency of both innate and adaptive immune components
- D. Deficiency of hematopoietic stem cells
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: SCID is a genetic disorder affecting the immune system.
Step 2: Inherited genetic mutations cause abnormalities in immune cells.
Step 3: These mutations lead to severe deficiencies in immune function.
Step 4: Choice B accurately reflects the genetic basis of SCID.
Summary: Choice A is incorrect because SCID is not caused by HIV. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the immune deficiencies in SCID. Choice D is incorrect because SCID primarily affects immune cells, not stem cells.
Which of the following statements is NOT true?
- A. Plague or Black Death is the disease that devastated Europe in Medieval times (1350-1400) with about 50% of the European population having been wiped out.
- B. There are reports of Black Death dating as early as 1000 B.C. making plague probably the most ancient disease and the first recorded
- C. Plague is still endemic in some countries
- D. Plague can be cured with antibiotics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because there are no reports of the Black Death dating back to 1000 B.C. The Black Death specifically refers to the pandemic outbreak of the bubonic plague in the 14th century. The first recorded pandemic of the Black Death occurred in the 14th century, not in 1000 B.C. The other choices are incorrect because A is true as the Black Death did devastate Europe in the 14th century, C is true as plague is still present in some countries, and D is true as plague can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.