A2 – Immunity Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of macrophages in the immune system?

To produce antibodies against pathogens

To surround and kill microorganisms (correct)

To transport oxygen in the blood

To remember past infections

Which component of the immune system is primarily responsible for activating killer T cells and B cells?

Memory T-cells

Helper T-cells (correct)

Macrophages

Suppressor T-cells

What term refers to the proteins displayed on the surface of pathogens that are recognized by the immune system?

Antigens (correct)

Pathogens

Antibodies

Toxins

Which of the following is NOT considered a first line of defense in the immune system?

Macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a pathogen from other organisms?

It causes illness Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of memory T and B cells in the immune system?

To recall previously encountered pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which immune component directly recognizes and engages with foreign invaders?

Killer T-cells Signup and view all the answers

What role do cilia play in the immune system?

They trap and move pathogens out of the respiratory tract Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of B-cells in the immune response?

To produce antibodies specific to invader antigens. Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity is activated when memory cells respond to a previously encountered antigen?

Acquired immunity Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of suppressor T-cells in the immune system?

They block the actions of other immune cells. Signup and view all the answers

Why do transplant recipients need to take immunosuppressant drugs?

To reduce the risk of tissue rejection by the immune system. Signup and view all the answers

How do vaccines promote immunity?

By presenting the immune system with weak or dead pathogens or their antigens. Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger an autoimmune disorder?

The immune system mistakenly targeting the body’s own cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of antibodies binding to antigens?

It facilitates the removal of pathogens by immune cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is herd immunity?

The protection from disease in a population due to a high level of immunity in many individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Components of the Immune System

First Lines of Defense: Skin, eyelashes, ear hair, saliva (digestive enzymes), stomach acid, tears, earwax, mucus, and cilia act as barriers against pathogens.
Macrophages: Largest white blood cells (WBCs) that engulf and kill microorganisms, enhancing immune responses by stimulating other cells.
Helper T-Cells: WBCs that activate Killer T-Cells and B-Cells by collecting and sharing information about antigen shapes from macrophages.
B-Cells: WBCs that proliferate to produce antibodies specific to an invader’s antigens, releasing them into the bloodstream for neutralization.
Killer T-Cells: Hunt down and destroy bacteria and human cells infected with viruses, targeting specific antigens.
Suppressor T-Cells: Regulate and inhibit other immune cell activities to prevent overactivity post-infection.
Memory T-Cells and B-Cells: Dormant cells remaining after an immune response, ready to respond quickly if the same antigen is encountered again.

Immune System Function

Pathogen Identification: Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins, are recognized as foreign threats.
Acquired Immunity: Memory cells facilitate quicker immune responses upon re-exposure to previously encountered antigens, often preventing symptoms.

Vaccination and Herd Immunity

Vaccines: Introduce weakened or dead pathogens or their antigens to stimulate the immune system, leading to the production of antibodies.
Rapid Recognition: Immune system recalls pathogens faster on re-exposure, launching aggressive attacks to prevent illness spread.
Herd Immunity: Achieved when a significant portion of a population is immune, reducing overall disease transmission.

Transplantation and Immune Responses

Tissue Matching: Close matching of donor and recipient antigens is essential to avoid rejection by the recipient’s immune system.
Immunosuppressant Drugs: Administered to transplant recipients to lower the risk of immune rejection.

Disorders of the Immune System

Allergies: The immune system mistakenly attacks harmless substances (allergens).
Autoimmune Disorders: The immune system erroneously targets the body’s own cells, often treated with immunosuppressants.

Discoveries in Immunology

Penicillin: Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1929, this antibiotic remains a critical tool against bacterial infections, though ineffective against viruses.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the components of the immune system. This quiz covers the roles of various immune cells like macrophages, T-cells, and B-cells and their importance in defending the body against pathogens. Understand how the immune system recognizes and responds to foreign threats.