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Module 7: Infectious Disease
Quick questions on Adaptive immune response, humoral and cell-mediated immunity: HSC Biology Module 7
11short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are lymphocyte types?Show answer
All lymphocytes mature into one of three classes.
What is cell-mediated immunity (T cells)?Show answer
Targets infected, cancerous or abnormal host cells.
What are b lymphocytes?Show answer
Mature in the bone marrow. Each B cell has a unique surface antibody (B-cell receptor) that recognises one antigen.
What are t lymphocytes?Show answer
Mature in the thymus. Each T cell has a unique T-cell receptor (TCR) that recognises one antigen displayed on MHC. Two main subtypes:
What are memory cells?Show answer
A subset of activated B and T cells become long-lived memory cells.
What are antibodies?Show answer
Y-shaped proteins with two antigen-binding sites. Functions:
What is primary response?Show answer
First exposure to a pathogen. Takes 5 to 14 days to produce significant antibody. Symptoms may develop while immunity is building.
What is secondary response?Show answer
Re-exposure to the same pathogen. Memory cells recognise the antigen within hours. Antibody production is faster, higher and longer-lasting.
What is q1?Show answer
Distinguish between humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity by reference to the type of lymphocyte and the type of pathogen each targets. [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
A graph shows antibody titre against tetanus toxin: 1 unit per mL at day 0, peaking at 8 units at day 14, declining to 2 units by day 60. After a booster on day 365, titres reach 200 units within 7 days. Calculate the fold increase between primary peak and secondary peak, and explain the underlying mechanism.
What is q3?Show answer
Describe the role of antigen-presenting cells in initiating the adaptive immune response. (a) Name one antigen-presenting cell. (b) Outline how it acquires and presents antigen.