25 Questions
What is the definition of pathogenicity?
The ability of a parasite to inflict damage on the host
What are adhesins in the context of microbial infection?
Receptors on pathogen’s surface that enable it to bind to host cells
How do pathogens typically gain access to host tissues?
Through mucous membranes, skin surface, or puncture wounds
What is the primary function of adherence in microbial infection?
Enhanced ability of microbes to attach to host tissues
Which of the following is a common pathogen-associated molecular pattern?
Lipopolysaccharide
What is the function of Toll-like receptors?
Recognize and interact with specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns
What is the role of NFκB in phagocyte signal transduction?
Activates transcription factors in response to the activation signal
What is the consequence of systemic inflammation?
Spread of inflammation throughout the body
What is the role of Complement C5a in the alternative pathway of complement activation?
Binding to the target and forming the membrane attack complex, resulting in cell lysis
What is the function of natural killer cells when encountering a cell with stress proteins and without MHC I proteins?
Activating and destroying the target by producing granzyme and perforin
What is the major function of interferons produced by virally infected cells?
Serving as a warning system and preventing viral replication
What is the specificity of B lymphocytes in adaptive immunity?
Producing antibodies that interact and protect against extracellular antigen
What is the role of T lymphocytes (T cells) in adaptive immunity?
Displaying antigen-specific receptors on their surface to defend against intracellular pathogens
Which structure is primarily responsible for the adherence of bacteria to host tissues?
Fimbriae
What is the main function of bacterial capsules in pathogenicity?
Adherence and protection
Which component of saliva provides an attachment site for bacteria on tooth surfaces?
Glycoproteins
What does virulence refer to in the context of pathogens?
The relative ability to cause disease
Which of the following is NOT a type of exotoxin?
Endotoxins
Which virulence factor affects the localized nature of infections and invasion of deeper tissues?
Coagulase
Which toxin inhibits muscle contraction by cleaving proteins involved in acetylcholine release?
Botulinum toxin
Which type of immunity involves lymphocytes and antibodies?
Adaptive immunity
Which cells are responsible for recognizing and destroying pathogens in innate immunity?
Neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils
Which system transports immune system cells and proteins to various tissues and organs?
Blood and lymph circulation
What is the differentiation of blood stem cells into different blood cells influenced by?
Cytokines and chemokines
Which harmless microbes limit nutrients and sites for infection, preventing pathogen invasion?
Competitive exclusion
Study Notes
Immune System and Pathogen Defense
- Routes of infection are crucial for different diseases; e.g., tetanus is in deep wounds while Salmonella is ingested
- Competitive exclusion: harmless microbes limit nutrients and sites for infection, preventing pathogen invasion
- Physical and chemical barriers to infection include tight junctions, mucous layers, cilia, stomach acid, and skin composition
- Blood and lymph circulation transport immune system cells and proteins to various tissues and organs
- Lymphatic system drains lymph from tissues into lymph nodes containing high concentrations of immune system cells
- Leukocytes and solutes pass from blood to the lymphatic system in capillary beds
- Whole blood comprises plasma and cells with major cell types being erythrocytes, leukocytes, and lymphocytes
- Hematopoiesis is the differentiation of blood stem cells into different blood cells influenced by cytokines and chemokines
- Myeloid cells include antigen-presenting cells, T-lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells
- Lymphoid stem cells produce T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells for innate and adaptive immunity
- Phagocytes, such as neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils, recognize and destroy pathogens in innate immunity
- Tissue damage leads to the recruitment of phagocytes to the site of injury through the release of cytokines and chemokines
Test your knowledge of the immune system and pathogen defense with this quiz. Explore topics such as routes of infection, physical and chemical barriers, blood and lymph circulation, leukocytes, hematopoiesis, myeloid and lymphoid cells, and innate immunity.
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