Questions and Answers
What is the ability that evolved in higher vertebrates, leading to memory-based acquired immunity?
What is the focus of most experimental immunology studies?
What is the result of the body attacking self-cells?
What is an example of an auto-immune disease?
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Why does the body sometimes attack self-cells?
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Study Notes
Evolution of Acquired Immunity
- Acquired immunity evolved in higher vertebrates based on the ability to differentiate between foreign organisms (e.g., pathogens) and self-cells.
- This ability has two important consequences that need to be understood:
Foreign Molecules Recognition
- Higher vertebrates can distinguish foreign molecules in addition to foreign organisms.
- Most experimental immunology research focuses on this aspect of acquired immunity.
Autoimmune Diseases
- In some cases, the body mistakenly attacks self-cells due to genetic and other unknown reasons.
- This results in damage to the body and is known as autoimmune disease.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of an autoimmune disease that affects many people in society.
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Description
This quiz explores the concept of acquired immunity in higher vertebrates, including the ability to differentiate between foreign and self-cells, and the implications of this process.
