Chapter 4 Self-test questions

. Which of these is not a part of the innate immune response?

B-defensin.

Cilia.

T-lymphocytes.

Gut flora.

. Approximately how many different types of organism may make up the gut microbiome?

Between 100-200.

Between 300-1000.

Between 1000-10000.

More than 1000000.

. What role do cytokines play in the immune response?

They act as signalling proteins to different cells in the immune system.

They create new white blood cells.

They downregulate the immune response, making it less severe.

They engulf and destroy pathogens.

. Which process results in the production of membrane attack complex?

Neutrophil maturation.

Mast cell activation.

Phagocytosis.

The complement cascade.

. Where do T lymphocytes mature?

The thyroid gland.

The thymus gland.

The spleen.

The bone marrow.

. Where are B lymphocytes produced?

The spleen.

The blood.

The bone marrow.

The brain.

. What is the name for the "biological lock" found on the arms of an antibody?

Epitope.

Epitome.

Paratope.

Parasite.

. What purpose do B and T memory cells serve in the immune system?

They allow a faster and more targeted response in subsequent infections with the same pathogen.

They prevent the same pathogen from infecting an individual more than once.

They train the innate immune system to recognise threats more accurately.

They change MHC receptors on cell membranes.

. Why do levels of T and B memory cells drop over time?

The immune system realises that it's unlikely to meet the same pathogen again after many years, and stops producing T and B memory cells.

The body has limited resources, meaning that T and B memory cells from more recent infections are given a higher priority.

T and B memory cells are unable to maintain accurate recognition of a specific pathogen after long periods of time.

The body destroys B and T memory cells after a certain time period has elapsed, to prevent the immune system from becoming over-whelmed.

. What mechanism results in many autoimmune disorders in humans?

Long term infection of cells in the immune system itself.

Destruction of the innate immune system.

Malfunction of B and T memory cells.

Failure of the immune system of an individual to recognise the cells of their own body.

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