Immunology Most Important Question Bank
1.Name any two dsDNA and two ssDNA {negative sense} viruses.
Two double stranded viruses are : herpes virus and Adenovirus
Two negative sense , single stranded RNA viruses are : rabies and influenza
virus
2. what do you mean by ambi-sense RNA genome ?
An ambi-sense RNA genome is a type of viral genome that contains both
positive and negative sense RNA sequences on the same molecule but separated
into distinct regions.
This allows the virus to use a mixed strategy for protein synthesis. Some genes
are read from the genomic RNA {positive sense}while others are first
transcribed into a complementary RNA strand which then serves as a template
for translation, {negative sense}.
3. what are peplomers ?
Spikes or peplomers are usually rod or club shaped projections, from the viral
surface. Spikes that protrude from the envelopes of the certain viruses.
For e.g: rabies virus has about 400 peplomers dispersed evenly over its surface ,
except for its planar end . each spike consists of a trimer of virus encoded
glycoproteins.
4. explain the factors influencing antigenicity.
Factors influencing antigenicity includes the substance’s foreignness , molecular
size and chemical complexity; the host’s genetic makeup and the dose and the
route of administration.
Other factors include physical form ,degradability {its ability to be processed
and presented by immune cells} and the presence of adjuvants ,which are the
substances that enhance the immune response.
5.state any 4 mechanisms of innate immunity.
Innate immunity can be viewed as comprising 4 types of defensive barriers:
i. anatomic skin {skin and mucous membrane}
ii. physiologic {temp., low Ph and chemical mediators}
iii. endocytic-phagocytic iv. Inflammatory
, 6. differentiate between active immunity and passive immunity.
Active immunity Passive immunity
1.active immunity is the long lasting Passive immunity is the acquired
acquired immunity developed by the immunity developed in bodies by the
antibodies, produced by the inoculation of ready made antibodies
organism’s own cells. produced in the plasma of an animal
or human against foreign agents.
2.it takes time to develop immunity It is used when immune response has
to be faster
3.antibodies are produced by the body At times body reacts to the
in response to pathogen or antigen introduction of antiserum.
4. it stays for longer period It stays for short period
5. Immunity developed by the Immunity given to the infant by
vaccination antibodies in colostrum, or immunity
given by tetanus antitoxin
7. describe the immune response curve for reinfection.
The immune response curve for reinfection shows a secondary immune
response, which is much faster and more robust than primary response.
Because the memory cells, generated during first exposure are quickly
reactivated upon re-exposure to same pathogen.
As a result, there is little to no delay before antibody production begins leading
to a more rapid increase and peak conc. of antibodies .
8.Describe the morphology of helical viruses with suitable example.
Helical viruses have a rod shaped or filamentous morphology where a single
type of protein subunit arranges into a spiral or helical structure around a central
axis to form a capsid.
This structure is often hollow and can be either rigid or flexible , enclosing the
nucleic acid.
Description of morphology:
• Capsid structure- a single type of protein subunit , called a capsomere is
arranged in a spiral or helical pattern around the nucleic acid core. Thus
creates a tube like shape.
• Overall shape- the resulting virions are rod shaped or filamentous .
• Rigidity- some helical viruses like TMV are rigid while others are long and
flexible .
1.Name any two dsDNA and two ssDNA {negative sense} viruses.
Two double stranded viruses are : herpes virus and Adenovirus
Two negative sense , single stranded RNA viruses are : rabies and influenza
virus
2. what do you mean by ambi-sense RNA genome ?
An ambi-sense RNA genome is a type of viral genome that contains both
positive and negative sense RNA sequences on the same molecule but separated
into distinct regions.
This allows the virus to use a mixed strategy for protein synthesis. Some genes
are read from the genomic RNA {positive sense}while others are first
transcribed into a complementary RNA strand which then serves as a template
for translation, {negative sense}.
3. what are peplomers ?
Spikes or peplomers are usually rod or club shaped projections, from the viral
surface. Spikes that protrude from the envelopes of the certain viruses.
For e.g: rabies virus has about 400 peplomers dispersed evenly over its surface ,
except for its planar end . each spike consists of a trimer of virus encoded
glycoproteins.
4. explain the factors influencing antigenicity.
Factors influencing antigenicity includes the substance’s foreignness , molecular
size and chemical complexity; the host’s genetic makeup and the dose and the
route of administration.
Other factors include physical form ,degradability {its ability to be processed
and presented by immune cells} and the presence of adjuvants ,which are the
substances that enhance the immune response.
5.state any 4 mechanisms of innate immunity.
Innate immunity can be viewed as comprising 4 types of defensive barriers:
i. anatomic skin {skin and mucous membrane}
ii. physiologic {temp., low Ph and chemical mediators}
iii. endocytic-phagocytic iv. Inflammatory
, 6. differentiate between active immunity and passive immunity.
Active immunity Passive immunity
1.active immunity is the long lasting Passive immunity is the acquired
acquired immunity developed by the immunity developed in bodies by the
antibodies, produced by the inoculation of ready made antibodies
organism’s own cells. produced in the plasma of an animal
or human against foreign agents.
2.it takes time to develop immunity It is used when immune response has
to be faster
3.antibodies are produced by the body At times body reacts to the
in response to pathogen or antigen introduction of antiserum.
4. it stays for longer period It stays for short period
5. Immunity developed by the Immunity given to the infant by
vaccination antibodies in colostrum, or immunity
given by tetanus antitoxin
7. describe the immune response curve for reinfection.
The immune response curve for reinfection shows a secondary immune
response, which is much faster and more robust than primary response.
Because the memory cells, generated during first exposure are quickly
reactivated upon re-exposure to same pathogen.
As a result, there is little to no delay before antibody production begins leading
to a more rapid increase and peak conc. of antibodies .
8.Describe the morphology of helical viruses with suitable example.
Helical viruses have a rod shaped or filamentous morphology where a single
type of protein subunit arranges into a spiral or helical structure around a central
axis to form a capsid.
This structure is often hollow and can be either rigid or flexible , enclosing the
nucleic acid.
Description of morphology:
• Capsid structure- a single type of protein subunit , called a capsomere is
arranged in a spiral or helical pattern around the nucleic acid core. Thus
creates a tube like shape.
• Overall shape- the resulting virions are rod shaped or filamentous .
• Rigidity- some helical viruses like TMV are rigid while others are long and
flexible .
