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Chapter 33: Problem 17

An antibody sometimes binds to an antigen other than the antigen that elicited its synthesis. What term refers to this behavior? a. avidity b. cross reactivity c. hypersensitivity d. affinity

Short Answer

Expert verified
b. cross reactivity

Step by step solution

01

Understand Key Terms

Review the definitions of each provided term: a. Avidity - the overall strength of binding between an antibody and an antigen. b. Cross-reactivity - when an antibody reacts with an antigen other than the one that induced its production. c. Hypersensitivity - an exaggerated immune response to an antigen. d. Affinity - the strength of the interaction between a single antigen-binding site of an antibody and its antigen.
02

Identify Relevant Term

The question asks for a term referring to an antibody binding to an antigen other than the one that elicited its synthesis. Based on the definitions reviewed, identify which term matches this behavior.
03

Select Correct Answer

From the definitions, 'cross-reactivity' best fits the description of an antibody binding to a different antigen. Therefore, the correct answer is b. cross-reactivity.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Antibodies
Antibodies are special proteins produced by the immune system to detect and neutralize foreign substances, termed antigens.
They are crucial for immunity and help protect the body from infections.
When an antibody binds to an antigen, it can neutralize the pathogen, mark it for destruction, or prevent it from infecting cells.
  • Structure: Each antibody has a unique structure with a variable region that binds specifically to an antigen.
  • Function: Antibodies can attract immune cells, activate other immune responses, and directly neutralize pathogens.
Understanding the specificity and role of antibodies gives insight into immune response mechanisms and disease prevention.
Even though they are highly specific, sometimes antibodies can react to similar antigens not originally targeted, a phenomenon called cross-reactivity.
Exploring Antigens
An antigen is any substance that triggers an immune response when detected by the body.
Antigens are usually proteins or polysaccharides on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses.
  • Types of Antigens:
    • Pathogen-associated antigens are found on the surface of pathogens.
  • Autoantigens originate from the host鈥檚 own tissues but can trigger autoimmune responses.
  • Allergens are antigens that cause allergic reactions.
When an antigen enters the body, it is recognized as foreign and targeted by the immune system.
The immune response involves the production of specific antibodies tailored to bind to that particular antigen.
This specific interaction is vital for effective immune defense against infections and diseases.
Basics of Immunology
Immunology is the branch of science that studies the immune system and its responses to pathogens, diseases, and vaccinations.
It covers a wide range of topics from the basic functions of immune cells to advanced mechanisms of immunity.
  • Key Components: The immune system is composed of various cells such as lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells.
  • These cells work together to identify, attack, and remember pathogens.
  • Innate Immunity: This is the body's first line of defense and includes barriers like the skin and immune cells that provide immediate but nonspecific protection.
  • Adaptive Immunity: This system develops over time and provides specific, long-lasting protection through the production of targeted antibodies.
Understanding how cross-reactivity can occur within immunology is important for comprehending how vaccines work, why allergies happen, and how some autoimmune diseases develop.
By recognizing the strengths and small imperfections of the immune system, we can better appreciate the complex and fascinating world of immunology.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is a likely reason to explain why vertebrate animals evolved an adaptive immune system rather than an innate system involving specific responses to specific pathogens? a. An adaptive immune system requires an immense amount of information to be stored, which allows vertebrate cells to be able to mount specific responses to every pathogen. b. As new pathogens evolve all the time, it is more conservative of energy and information storage to have an adaptive immune system that can respond to same pathogens in different ways. c. As new pathogens evolve all the time, it is more conservative of energy and information storage to have an adaptive immune system that can respond to different pathogens in a specific way. d. As new pathogens evolve all the time, it is more conservative of energy and information storage to have an adaptive immune system that can respond to different pathogens in a non-specific way.

Why do antibodies isolated from the same individual show a variety of constant domains? a. The antibodies were synthesized in response to infections by different pathogens. b. The antibodies were transmitted as the result of passive immunity. c. The antibodies have different specificities of antigen binding. d. The antibodies belong to different classes of immunoglobulin molecules.

What is the function of major histocompatibility class (MHC) I molecules? a. MHC I molecules assist with strengthening the cell membrane. b. MHC I molecules present antigens on the surface of a cell. c. MHC I molecules allow movement of materials across the cell membrane. d. MHC I molecules provide signals for processes involved in cell division

Why might different MHC I molecules between donor and recipient cells lead to rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue? a. The natural killer cells in the recipient will identify the MHC I molecules on transplanted organ as non-self proteins, causing lysis of transplanted cells. Other host cells will join to phagocytize the foreign cells. b. The neutrophils in the recipient will identify the MHC I molecules on transplanted organ as nonself proteins, causing lysis of transplanted cells. Other host cells will join to phagocytize the foreign cells. c. B lymphocytes in the recipient will identify the MHC I molecules on transplanted organ as nonself proteins. The foreign cells will then be engulfed and destroyed by B lymphocytes. d. The macrophages in the recipient will identify the MHC I molecules on transplanted organ as non-self proteins, causing lysis of transplanted cells. Other host cells will join to phagocytize the foreign cells.

Why does the human body need more than its skin to function as a barrier to infecting pathogens? a. Skin works only against some types of bacteria. To prevent the entry of other pathogens, other physical or chemical barriers are needed. b. Skin does not provide a broad coverage against invasion of the body by any foreign particle, so it is not a very effective barrier. c. Pathogens could enter the body through several places that are not covered by skin that need to have a barrier to prevent infection. d. Skin acts only as a chemical barrier against pathogens. The body also needs physical barriers to prevent various types of infection.
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