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Questions and Answers
What happens when genes coding for antigen proteins on the surface of pathogens mutate?
What happens when genes coding for antigen proteins on the surface of pathogens mutate?
- The amino acid sequence of the protein changes, altering its tertiary structure. (correct)
- Antibodies to the mutated form bind even more effectively than to the original form.
- The immune system becomes more efficient in detecting and destroying the pathogen.
- The pathogen becomes less infectious to the host cells.
Why are flu vaccines administered yearly?
Why are flu vaccines administered yearly?
- To combat the rapid mutation rate of influenza virus antigens. (correct)
- To ensure complete eradication of the virus within the host.
- To boost memory T-cell response against other pathogens.
- To prevent the immune system from becoming too sensitive.
How does a virus utilize host cells for replication?
How does a virus utilize host cells for replication?
- By causing mutations in host cell DNA for its survival.
- By inhibiting the division of host cells to protect itself.
- By stimulating the immune response of the host cells against it.
- By using host cell machinery to multiply through viral RNA entry and DNA integration. (correct)
What happens when viral DNA within host cells becomes active?
What happens when viral DNA within host cells becomes active?
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What role do attachment proteins play in viral infections?
What role do attachment proteins play in viral infections?
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Study Notes
Gene Mutation in Pathogens
- Mutations in genes coding for antigen proteins can alter the structure of these proteins, making them less recognizable to the host's immune system.
- This can lead to immune evasion, where the pathogen survives in the host despite an existing immune response.
Annual Flu Vaccination
- Flu vaccines are updated yearly to match circulating strains, as influenza viruses frequently mutate, leading to antigenic drift.
- The effectiveness of last year’s vaccine diminishes as new strains emerge, necessitating annual immunization for optimal protection.
Viral Replication in Host Cells
- Viruses lack the machinery for replication and hence infiltrate host cells to harness their cellular mechanisms.
- Once inside, the virus uses the host's ribosomes and enzymes to replicate its genetic material and produce viral proteins.
Activation of Viral DNA in Host Cells
- Upon activation, viral DNA can hijack the host cell’s processes to produce new viral particles.
- This activation can lead to cell lysis or other responses that can harm the host and facilitate the spread of the virus.
Role of Attachment Proteins in Viral Infections
- Attachment proteins are critical for the initial interaction between a virus and its host cell, allowing the virus to bind securely and enter.
- These proteins determine host range and tissue tropism, influencing the virus's ability to infect specific types of cells.
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Description
Learn how genetic mutations in pathogens can affect the immune system response. Understand how changes in base sequences can lead to alterations in protein structure, impacting the ability of antibodies to detect and destroy pathogens.
