Biology Test 4 Topic 7: Allergy

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Questions and Answers

What will RNA interference (RNAi) allow for the removal of to generate a hypoallergenic strawberry?

Histamine response against the allergenic protein

mRNA for the allergenic protein (correct)

Gene for the allergenic protein

IgEs against the allergenic protein

Which of the following is NOT involved in an allergic response?

Presentation of the allergen by antigen presenting cells

Activity of cytotoxic T cells (correct)

Activity of mast cells

Activity of T helper cells

Which of the following IS involved in an allergic response? (Select multiple)

Presentation of the allergen by antigen presenting cells (correct)

Activity of cytotoxic T cells

Activity of T helper cells (correct)

Activity of mast cells (correct)

Which of the following would you test for to determine whether a patient is suffering from an allergic response?

IgE levels Signup and view all the answers

To determine if your brother's response to milk involves an allergy, which of the following would you test?

Histamine Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does histamine serve in the Intracutaneous Test?

It is a control to show what a full allergic response looks like. Signup and view all the answers

Hypersensitivity is defined as:

A spectrum of inappropriate immune responses toward harmless foreign particles or self-antigens; occurs after tissue sensitization and includes immediate-type (allergy), delayed-type, and autoimmunity Signup and view all the answers

What is immunodeficiency?

A failure, insufficiency, or delay at any level of the immune system, which may be acquired or inherited Signup and view all the answers

What is allergy?

An immune reaction that results from immediate hypersensitivities in which an antibody-mediated immune response occurs within minutes of exposure to a harmless antigen Signup and view all the answers

What is autoimmunity?

A type of hypersensitivity to self-antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is an autoantibody?

An antibody that incorrectly marks 'self' components as foreign and stimulates the immune response Signup and view all the answers

Autoantibodies are probably involved in ________.

systemic lupus erythematosus Signup and view all the answers

A potential cause of acquired autoimmunity is ________.

molecular mimicry Signup and view all the answers

Allergy to pollen is classified as ________.

immediate hypersensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hypoallergenic Strawberries

RNA interference (RNAi) can be used to create "hypoallergenic" strawberries by targeting specific genes.
The objective is to eliminate the gene that produces the allergenic protein or inhibit its mRNA.

Allergic Response Mechanisms

Antigen presenting cells are crucial for presenting allergens to T helper cells.
T helper cells activate other immune cells; cytotoxic T cells are not typically involved in allergic responses.
Mast cells play a significant role in initiating allergic reactions by releasing histamine.

Identifying Allergies

Elevated IgE levels indicate an allergic response, distinguishing it from viral infections.
Testing antibody levels can help determine if symptoms are due to an allergy.

Stomach Problems and Milk Allergy

Testing T helper cell activity is essential in confirming if an individual has a milk allergy.

Intracutaneous Test

Histamine serves as a control in allergy tests to illustrate a typical allergic response.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity encompasses immediate immune reactions to harmless antigens, characterized by rapid antibody-mediated responses.
It includes various inappropriate immune responses, such as allergies and autoimmunity.

Immunodeficiency

Immunodeficiency refers to a failure or insufficiency in any aspect of the immune system and can be either inherited or acquired.

Definitions of Allergy and Autoimmunity

Allergy is defined as an immediate immune reaction to harmless antigens resulting from antibody-mediated responses.
Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies self-antigens as foreign, leading to tissue damage.

Autoantibodies

Autoantibodies are antibodies that target the body's own components, contributing to autoimmune diseases.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition where autoantibodies play a significant role in disease pathology.

Causes of Acquired Autoimmunity

Molecular mimicry is a potential trigger of acquired autoimmunity, involving cross-reactivity between pathogens and self-antigens.

Pollen Allergy Classification

Allergy to pollen is classified as immediate hypersensitivity, resulting in rapid immune responses upon exposure to allergens.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the mechanisms behind allergies, specifically relating to strawberries and their potential to cause severe allergic reactions. It explores the use of RNA interference (RNAi) in creating hypoallergenic variants by targeting the allergenic proteins involved. Test your knowledge on the genetic and immunological aspects of allergies.