Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main structural difference between bacteria and viruses?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes with a cell wall, while viruses are non-cellular particles composed of nucleic acid and a protein shell.

Question 2

Which immune cell type is primarily responsible for destroying multicellular parasitic worms?

Accepted Answer

Eosinophils

Question 3

A patient is exposed to a new antigen for the first time. Where does the initial activation of the corresponding lymphocyte most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Secondary lymphoid structure

Question 4

Which of the following is a function of the Fc region of an antibody?

Accepted Answer

Determining the antibody's class and mediating complement activation

Question 5

Which process describes the movement of leukocytes out of the blood and into tissues during inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Diapedesis

Question 6

A person receives antibodies from another individual after a snake bite. What type of immunity is this?

Accepted Answer

Passive immunity

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why a person who recovers from measles is unlikely to get the disease again?

Accepted Answer

Memory T- and B-lymphocytes rapidly respond to future exposures, producing a secondary immune response.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a cardinal sign of inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Numbness

Question 9

Which class of immunoglobulin is most effective at agglutination and is primarily found as a pentamer in blood?

Accepted Answer

IgM

Question 10

What is the main role of helper T-lymphocytes in the immune response?

Accepted Answer

Release cytokines to regulate and activate other immune cells

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the process of opsonization?

Accepted Answer

Complement protein or antibody binds to a pathogen, enhancing phagocytosis

Question 12

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of adaptive immunity compared to innate immunity?

Accepted Answer

It involves specific lymphocyte responses to particular antigens and takes several days to develop.

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding MHC class I molecules?

Accepted Answer

They are found on all nucleated cells and present endogenous antigens to cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.

Question 14

A patient with a genetic defect cannot produce interferons. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

They would have increased susceptibility to viral infections.

Question 15

Which event occurs during the negative selection of T-lymphocytes in the thymus?

Accepted Answer

T-cells that bind self-antigens are destroyed to ensure self-tolerance.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of dendritic cells in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

They engulf pathogens and present antigen fragments to T-lymphocytes, initiating adaptive immunity.

Question 17

Which of the following is a risk associated with a dangerously high fever (above 106°F)?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible brain damage

Question 18

Which of the following is true about haptens?

Accepted Answer

They are small molecules that become immunogenic only when attached to a host molecule.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of plasma cells?

Accepted Answer

They synthesize and release large quantities of antibodies.

Question 20

Which of the following is a benefit of a mild fever during infection?

Accepted Answer

It accelerates tissue repair and increases activity of adaptive immunity.

The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Defenses

Study Guide - Practice Questions