NUR 5461/NUR5461 Module 1 V3 |
Immunity and Cancer Biology Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. Which component is considered the first line of defense in the innate immune system?
A. Inflammatory response
B. Physical and mechanical barriers
C. Adaptive immunity
D. T-lymphocyte activation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Physical and mechanical barriers, such as the skin and mucous
membranes, provide the initial protection against invading pathogens. These barriers are
constant and do not require previous exposure to a pathogen to be effective. They
represent a non-specific defense mechanism that prevents microorganisms from entering
the body’s internal environment.
2. Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant in the blood and provides the majority of
antibody-mediated protection against infections?
A. IgM
B. IgA
C. IgE
,D. IgG
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: IgG is the most prevalent class of antibody found in the circulation,
accounting for approximately 80% of plasma antibodies. It is unique because it can cross
the placenta to provide passive immunity to the fetus. IgG is responsible for long-term
immunity and is the primary antibody produced during the secondary immune response.
3. In a Type I hypersensitivity reaction, which antibody class binds to mast cells, leading to the
release of histamine?
A. IgE
B. IgD
C. IgA
D. IgG
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: IgE antibodies are specifically involved in allergic reactions and
parasitic infections. When an allergen binds to IgE already attached to mast cells, it triggers
degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. This process
causes the clinical symptoms associated with anaphylaxis, hay fever, and asthma.
4. Which process describes the coating of a pathogen by antibodies or complement proteins
to enhance its recognition by phagocytes?
A. Apoptosis
, B. Opsonization
C. Angiogenesis
D. Degranulation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Opsonization is a critical immune process where molecules called
opsonins, such as C3b or antibodies, tag a pathogen for destruction. This tagging
significantly increases the efficiency of phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages
in identifying and engulfing the pathogen. Without opsonization, many pathogens would go
unrecognized by the innate immune system.
5. A patient’s tumor is described as being well-differentiated and encapsulated. This
description is most consistent with which type of growth?
A. Malignant tumor
B. Benign tumor
C. Carcinoma in situ
D. Metastatic lesion
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Benign tumors are typically characterized by slow growth and cells
that closely resemble the tissue of origin, meaning they are well-differentiated. They are
often surrounded by a fibrous capsule that prevents them from invading surrounding
Immunity and Cancer Biology Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. Which component is considered the first line of defense in the innate immune system?
A. Inflammatory response
B. Physical and mechanical barriers
C. Adaptive immunity
D. T-lymphocyte activation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Physical and mechanical barriers, such as the skin and mucous
membranes, provide the initial protection against invading pathogens. These barriers are
constant and do not require previous exposure to a pathogen to be effective. They
represent a non-specific defense mechanism that prevents microorganisms from entering
the body’s internal environment.
2. Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant in the blood and provides the majority of
antibody-mediated protection against infections?
A. IgM
B. IgA
C. IgE
,D. IgG
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: IgG is the most prevalent class of antibody found in the circulation,
accounting for approximately 80% of plasma antibodies. It is unique because it can cross
the placenta to provide passive immunity to the fetus. IgG is responsible for long-term
immunity and is the primary antibody produced during the secondary immune response.
3. In a Type I hypersensitivity reaction, which antibody class binds to mast cells, leading to the
release of histamine?
A. IgE
B. IgD
C. IgA
D. IgG
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: IgE antibodies are specifically involved in allergic reactions and
parasitic infections. When an allergen binds to IgE already attached to mast cells, it triggers
degranulation and the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine. This process
causes the clinical symptoms associated with anaphylaxis, hay fever, and asthma.
4. Which process describes the coating of a pathogen by antibodies or complement proteins
to enhance its recognition by phagocytes?
A. Apoptosis
, B. Opsonization
C. Angiogenesis
D. Degranulation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Opsonization is a critical immune process where molecules called
opsonins, such as C3b or antibodies, tag a pathogen for destruction. This tagging
significantly increases the efficiency of phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages
in identifying and engulfing the pathogen. Without opsonization, many pathogens would go
unrecognized by the innate immune system.
5. A patient’s tumor is described as being well-differentiated and encapsulated. This
description is most consistent with which type of growth?
A. Malignant tumor
B. Benign tumor
C. Carcinoma in situ
D. Metastatic lesion
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Benign tumors are typically characterized by slow growth and cells
that closely resemble the tissue of origin, meaning they are well-differentiated. They are
often surrounded by a fibrous capsule that prevents them from invading surrounding
