NUR 5461/NUR5461 Module 1 V1 |
Immunity and Cancer Biology Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. Which of the following describes the primary role of the innate immune system?
A. To produce specific antibodies for long-term memory
B. To provide a rapid, non-specific response to pathogens
C. To differentiate between very similar viral strains
D. To target specific MHC-II complexes on B-cells
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense and
reacts immediately to foreign invaders. It utilizes physical barriers, phagocytes, and
chemical signals that do not require prior exposure. Unlike the adaptive system, it does not
provide long-term immunological memory or target specific antigens.
2. In the context of cancer biology, what is the function of a proto-oncogene?
A. To promote normal cell growth and division
B. To suppress cellular division and repair DNA
C. To trigger apoptosis in damaged cells
D. To identify mutations in the genetic code
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that regulate essential functions
such as cell growth and differentiation. When these genes undergo a ‘gain-of-function’
mutation, they become oncogenes, which drive uncontrolled cell proliferation. They are
distinct from tumor suppressor genes, which act as brakes on the cell cycle.
3. Which immunoglobulin is primarily responsible for Type I hypersensitivity reactions, such
as allergies?
A. IgE
B. IgM
C. IgG
D. IgA
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: IgE is the antibody involved in allergic reactions and responses to
parasitic infections. It binds to mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of histamine
and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is the hallmark of immediate
hypersensitivity, such as anaphylaxis or hay fever.
4. What is the characteristic feature of a malignant tumor compared to a benign tumor?
A. Well-differentiated cells that resemble the tissue of origin
B. Slow growth rate with a fibrous capsule
, C. Lack of metabolic activity within the tumor mass
D. The ability to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Malignant tumors are characterized by rapid growth, lack of
differentiation, and the ability to spread to distant sites. Benign tumors generally remain
localized and are often encapsulated, preventing invasion. The process of metastasis is
unique to malignancy and involves complex steps of cell migration.
5. Which cell type is responsible for producing antibodies in the adaptive immune response?
A. Cytotoxic T-cells
B. Natural Killer (NK) cells
C. Helper T-cells
D. Plasma cells
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Plasma cells are differentiated B-lymphocytes that specialize in
secreting large volumes of antibodies. They are activated after a B-cell encounters its
specific antigen and receives signals from Helper T-cells. These antibodies then circulate in
the blood and lymph to neutralize pathogens.
6. What happens during the ‘promotion’ stage of carcinogenesis?
A. Initial DNA damage occurs due to a carcinogen
Immunity and Cancer Biology Q&A with
Rationale | William Paterson University
1. Which of the following describes the primary role of the innate immune system?
A. To produce specific antibodies for long-term memory
B. To provide a rapid, non-specific response to pathogens
C. To differentiate between very similar viral strains
D. To target specific MHC-II complexes on B-cells
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The innate immune system serves as the first line of defense and
reacts immediately to foreign invaders. It utilizes physical barriers, phagocytes, and
chemical signals that do not require prior exposure. Unlike the adaptive system, it does not
provide long-term immunological memory or target specific antigens.
2. In the context of cancer biology, what is the function of a proto-oncogene?
A. To promote normal cell growth and division
B. To suppress cellular division and repair DNA
C. To trigger apoptosis in damaged cells
D. To identify mutations in the genetic code
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that regulate essential functions
such as cell growth and differentiation. When these genes undergo a ‘gain-of-function’
mutation, they become oncogenes, which drive uncontrolled cell proliferation. They are
distinct from tumor suppressor genes, which act as brakes on the cell cycle.
3. Which immunoglobulin is primarily responsible for Type I hypersensitivity reactions, such
as allergies?
A. IgE
B. IgM
C. IgG
D. IgA
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: IgE is the antibody involved in allergic reactions and responses to
parasitic infections. It binds to mast cells and basophils, triggering the release of histamine
and other inflammatory mediators. This mechanism is the hallmark of immediate
hypersensitivity, such as anaphylaxis or hay fever.
4. What is the characteristic feature of a malignant tumor compared to a benign tumor?
A. Well-differentiated cells that resemble the tissue of origin
B. Slow growth rate with a fibrous capsule
, C. Lack of metabolic activity within the tumor mass
D. The ability to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Malignant tumors are characterized by rapid growth, lack of
differentiation, and the ability to spread to distant sites. Benign tumors generally remain
localized and are often encapsulated, preventing invasion. The process of metastasis is
unique to malignancy and involves complex steps of cell migration.
5. Which cell type is responsible for producing antibodies in the adaptive immune response?
A. Cytotoxic T-cells
B. Natural Killer (NK) cells
C. Helper T-cells
D. Plasma cells
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Plasma cells are differentiated B-lymphocytes that specialize in
secreting large volumes of antibodies. They are activated after a B-cell encounters its
specific antigen and receives signals from Helper T-cells. These antibodies then circulate in
the blood and lymph to neutralize pathogens.
6. What happens during the ‘promotion’ stage of carcinogenesis?
A. Initial DNA damage occurs due to a carcinogen
