BIOL371 ACQUIRED IMMUNITY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
What is an adaptive immune system?
A specific, adaptable defense against pathogens.
What are the 3 roles of the adaptive immune system?
1. It's the second line of defense; increasingly complex in invertebrates, vertebrates, &
mammals.
2. It attempts to "keep up with microbial evolution" by large, slow-reproducing targets for
nimble pathogens.
3. It adapts microbial evolution tactics for defense.
How long does it take for defenses to be gained from pathogen exposure?
A week or more.
How can defenses be obtained other than from pathogen exposure?
1. Previous contact with pathogen
2. Immunization or first few months of life
3. Transfer of antibody from mother to fetus via placenta
4. Via colostrum (breast milk)
T/F: NONSPECIFIC immunity triggers SPECIFIC immune response
True
What is a specific immune response?
Resistance to specific pathogens / response to non-self (antigen)
, What 3 attributes characterize the specific immune response?
Specificity, memory, & tolerance
Describe "specificity" of the specific immune response
Something recognized by immune cells as foreign (like microbes, pollen)
Describe "memory" of the specific immune response
The ability to increase defensive response based on prior exposure to antigen because
immune system evolves & changes genetically (like vaccines)
Describe tolerance of the specific immune response
The ability to recognize foreign antigens, but not the body's own
What is an autoimmune disease?
The failure to discern one's own antigens from foreign antigens
What makes up the blood & lymph circulatory systems?
1. White blood cells (leukocytes, phagocytes, lymphocytes)
2. Plasma
3. Lymph system
What is plasma?
Blood fluid; complement proteins
Describe the lymph system
Low pressure circulation system that lacks red blood cells; filtered at lymph nodes
What cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity?
T-cells, B-cells, & antigen-presenting cells
What organs are involved in the immune response?
Thymus & bone marrow
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS GRADED A++
What is an adaptive immune system?
A specific, adaptable defense against pathogens.
What are the 3 roles of the adaptive immune system?
1. It's the second line of defense; increasingly complex in invertebrates, vertebrates, &
mammals.
2. It attempts to "keep up with microbial evolution" by large, slow-reproducing targets for
nimble pathogens.
3. It adapts microbial evolution tactics for defense.
How long does it take for defenses to be gained from pathogen exposure?
A week or more.
How can defenses be obtained other than from pathogen exposure?
1. Previous contact with pathogen
2. Immunization or first few months of life
3. Transfer of antibody from mother to fetus via placenta
4. Via colostrum (breast milk)
T/F: NONSPECIFIC immunity triggers SPECIFIC immune response
True
What is a specific immune response?
Resistance to specific pathogens / response to non-self (antigen)
, What 3 attributes characterize the specific immune response?
Specificity, memory, & tolerance
Describe "specificity" of the specific immune response
Something recognized by immune cells as foreign (like microbes, pollen)
Describe "memory" of the specific immune response
The ability to increase defensive response based on prior exposure to antigen because
immune system evolves & changes genetically (like vaccines)
Describe tolerance of the specific immune response
The ability to recognize foreign antigens, but not the body's own
What is an autoimmune disease?
The failure to discern one's own antigens from foreign antigens
What makes up the blood & lymph circulatory systems?
1. White blood cells (leukocytes, phagocytes, lymphocytes)
2. Plasma
3. Lymph system
What is plasma?
Blood fluid; complement proteins
Describe the lymph system
Low pressure circulation system that lacks red blood cells; filtered at lymph nodes
What cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity?
T-cells, B-cells, & antigen-presenting cells
What organs are involved in the immune response?
Thymus & bone marrow
