Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of antibodies in the immune response?
What is the primary role of antibodies in the immune response?
Which immunoglobulin class is primarily responsible for the first response to bacterial infections?
Which immunoglobulin class is primarily responsible for the first response to bacterial infections?
How do haptens differ from traditional antigens?
How do haptens differ from traditional antigens?
What is the function of plasma cells in the immune system?
What is the function of plasma cells in the immune system?
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Which statement best describes the difference between primary and secondary immune responses?
Which statement best describes the difference between primary and secondary immune responses?
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What is an epitope?
What is an epitope?
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In which part of the body do B lymphocytes mature?
In which part of the body do B lymphocytes mature?
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Which type of T cell is directly involved in killing infected or cancerous cells?
Which type of T cell is directly involved in killing infected or cancerous cells?
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Which immunoglobulin class has a role in mucosal immunity and is found in secretions such as saliva and breast milk?
Which immunoglobulin class has a role in mucosal immunity and is found in secretions such as saliva and breast milk?
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What is the primary mechanism of action for antibodies involved in opsonization?
What is the primary mechanism of action for antibodies involved in opsonization?
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Which statement correctly describes the primary response compared to the secondary immune response?
Which statement correctly describes the primary response compared to the secondary immune response?
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What is the main characteristic of haptens that differentiates them from larger antigens?
What is the main characteristic of haptens that differentiates them from larger antigens?
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In which part of the body do T lymphocytes undergo maturation?
In which part of the body do T lymphocytes undergo maturation?
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Which feature is characteristic of both B cells and T cells during an immune response?
Which feature is characteristic of both B cells and T cells during an immune response?
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What is the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in the immune system?
What is the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in the immune system?
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What distinguishes IgM from other immunoglobulin classes?
What distinguishes IgM from other immunoglobulin classes?
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Study Notes
Antigen Characteristics
- Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response.
- Proteins are stronger antigens than polysaccharides.
- Must be large (molecular weight > 10,000), non-self, and degradable.
- Antigens have specific reactive sites called epitopes.
- Antibodies (immunoglobulins) have complementary reactive sites called paratopes.
- Small molecules (haptens) become immunogenic when combined with body proteins.
Immunoglobulins (Antibodies)
- Immunoglobulins are globular proteins.
- They have specific reactions with antigens:
- Neutralization of pathogens
- Opsonization for phagocytosis
- Agglutination
- Complement activation
- Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
Lymphocyte Maturation
- B lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow.
- T lymphocytes mature in the thymus.
Antibody Classes (Immunoglobulins)
- IgG: Most abundant (80%), crosses placenta, antitoxin, divalent.
- IgM: Pentamer, first made, highly antibacterial, decavalent.
- IgA: Secretory, found in fluids (mucus, saliva, tears, breast milk), 10-15%
- IgD: 0.5%
- IgE: 0.002%, binds to mast cells/basophils, triggers allergic reactions.
- Each class has a different function and half-life.
B Cell Function
- Plasma cells are antibody-producing factories.
- B memory cells provide long-term immunity.
- Clonal selection determines which B cells respond to a specific antigen.
- Clonal deletion removes potentially harmful B cell clones.
T Cell Function
- Helper T cells assist B cells in response to antigens.
- Cytotoxic T cells (Tc) kill infected or cancerous cells using perforins and granzymes.
- Natural killer T (NK) cells directly attack non-self cells.
- Thymus is the maturation site
Immune Responses
- Primary response: takes 7-10 days to produce protective antibodies, IgM first then IgG.
- Secondary (memory) response: quicker and stronger (1-2 days), higher antibody production.
- Booster shots (vaccinations) stimulate a secondary response.
Antigen-Antibody Reactions
- Agglutination: clumping of antigens.
- Opsonization: coating of antigens to enhance phagocytosis.
- Neutralization: blocking of harmful effects of antigens.
- Complement activation: cascade of proteins to enhance immune response.
- Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity: antibodies mark cells for destruction.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the characteristics of antigens and immunoglobulins. This quiz covers essential concepts such as the structure of antibodies, lymphocyte maturation, and the various classes of immunoglobulins. Perfect for students studying immunology or related fields.
