Antibody Structure and Function Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of the innate immune system?

Plasma cells (correct)

Complement proteins

Dendritic cells

Cytokines

Which of the following phagocytic cells is primarily responsible for clearing pathogens from the bloodstream?

Eosinophils

Neutrophils (correct)

Basophils

Monocytes

What is the primary function of the complement system in the innate immune response?

To recruit inflammatory cells to the site of infection

To destroy foreign cells through lysis (correct)

To neutralize viruses

To enhance phagocytosis

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the adaptive immune system?

Rapid response to pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of natural killer (NK) cells in the innate immune response?

Destruction of infected or cancerous cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between the innate and adaptive immune systems?

Rapid response to pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the alternative complement pathway in the innate immune response?

To enhance phagocytosis by opsonization Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key function of cytokines in the innate immune response?

To promote the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of dendritic cells in the adaptive immune response?

Presentation of antigens to T cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key function of the lectin complement pathway in the innate immune response?

To bind to carbohydrates on pathogens and activate the complement system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of response involves T lymphocytes?

Cell-mediated immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are most active as phagocytes in the immune system?

Neutrophils Signup and view all the answers

Which defense barrier functions by secreting antimicrobial peptides to kill pathogens?

Defensins Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immunity is also known as acquired immunity?

Adaptive immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which cells react to specific antigens to become activated in the immune response?

Dendritic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Complement system in the immune response?

Activate proteins in innate immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells lack cytoplasmic granules and include lymphocytes and monocytes?

Agranulocytes Signup and view all the answers

In the immune system, which line of defense involves the presence of surface barriers to block pathogen entry?

'1st line' defense barriers Signup and view all the answers

Which protective function is attributed to sebum in the immune system?

Killing pathogens on the skin's surface Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three basic phases of humoral immunity?

Antigen presentation by dendritic cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about antibody structure is correct?

Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two heavy and two light chains. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of antibodies?

Antigen presentation to T cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about autoimmunity is correct?

Autoimmunity occurs when B cells bind to self-antigens and produce autoantibodies. Signup and view all the answers

Which class of antibody is responsible for the transfer of passive immunity from mother to fetus?

IgG Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the different antibody classes is correct?

IgM is a pentamer and is involved in the initial response to pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Innate Immune System Components

Key components include physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes), phagocytic cells, and the complement system.
A component NOT part of the innate immune system would typically be a specific antibody or T-cell.

Phagocytic Cells

Neutrophils are primarily responsible for clearing pathogens from the bloodstream.
Macrophages and dendritic cells also perform phagocytic functions but are not the main responders in blood.

Complement System Function

The complement system plays a critical role in opsonization, facilitating phagocytosis, and lysing pathogenic cells.
It enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells.

Adaptive Immune System Characteristics

Characteristics of the adaptive immune system include specificity, memory, and slow response time.
A component NOT characteristic of adaptive immunity might be its immediate response to pathogens.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

NK cells primarily function in the destruction of infected or cancerous cells through apoptosis.
They are crucial for the innate immune response, especially against viral infections and tumors.

Differences Between Innate and Adaptive Immunity

Innate immunity is immediate and non-specific, while adaptive immunity is delayed but highly specific and capable of memory.
Innate responses are the body's first line of defense, whereas adaptive responses refine over time.

Alternative Complement Pathway

The alternative complement pathway functions to activate the complement system without antibodies, targeting pathogens directly.
It provides a rapid response to microbial infections.

Cytokines in Innate Immunity

Cytokines are signaling molecules that mediate communication between cells, influencing immune responses and inflammation.
They play roles in recruiting immune cells to infection sites and enhancing capabilities of phagocytes.

Dendritic Cells in Adaptive Immunity

Dendritic cells act as antigen-presenting cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity.
Their primary role involves presenting processed antigens to T lymphocytes to activate them.

Lectin Complement Pathway Function

The lectin pathway activates the complement system through recognition of carbohydrate patterns on pathogens.
It enhances opsonization and clearance of pathogens similar to the classical pathway.

T Lymphocytes and Immune Response

T lymphocytes are involved in cell-mediated immunity, responding specifically to antigens and contributing to adaptive immune responses.

Phagocytes in the Immune System

Neutrophils and macrophages are the most active phagocytes, engulfing and digesting pathogens efficiently.

Antimicrobial Peptides

Certain epithelial cells in skin and mucosal barriers secrete antimicrobial peptides to directly kill pathogens, enhancing innate defense.

Acquired Immunity

Acquired immunity, also known as adaptive immunity, develops through exposure to antigens and involves T and B lymphocytes.

Antigen-Specific Response

B and T cells react specifically to antigens, becoming activated to mount an effective immune response.

Complement System Functions

The Complement system primarily functions to opsonize pathogens, recruit inflammatory cells, and promote pathogen lysis.

Granule-Lacking Cells

Lymphocytes and monocytes are types of cells that lack cytoplasmic granules, differentiating them from granular leukocytes like neutrophils.

Surface Barriers in Defense

The first line of defense includes surface barriers such as skin and mucosal membranes that block pathogen entry.

Sebum's Protective Function

Sebum provides a protective barrier by creating an acidic environment on the skin, which inhibits pathogen growth.

Phases of Humoral Immunity

The three basic phases of humoral immunity include antigen recognition, clonal expansion, and effector function.
A phase NOT associated with humoral immunity might involve direct cell-mediated responses.