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Chapter 33: Problem 8

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
b. MHC I molecules present antigens on the surface of a cell.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Function of MHC I Molecules

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules are proteins found on the surface of all nucleated cells. Their primary role is to present peptide antigens to the immune cells, particularly cytotoxic T cells.
02

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Analyze each option based on the primary role of MHC I molecules. Option a mentions strengthening the cell membrane, which is not the role of MHC I. Option c discusses moving materials across the cell membrane, again unrelated to MHC I. Option d involves signals for cell division, which is also not pertinent to MHC I.
03

Identify the Correct Option

Recall that MHC I molecules present peptide fragments from inside a cell to the immune system. This function fits perfectly with option b.

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Key Concepts

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

antigen presentation
Antigen presentation is a key process in the immune system. It involves the display of protein fragments, called antigens, on the surface of cells. This helps the immune system recognize and respond to threats.

MHC I molecules play an essential role in this process. They bind to peptide fragments generated from proteins within the cell. Then, they move these fragments to the cell surface. Here, they present the antigens to cytotoxic T cells.

This presentation is crucial because it allows cytotoxic T cells to identify infected or abnormal cells. Without antigen presentation, the immune system would struggle to detect internal cell threats, such as viruses, some bacteria, and cancerous changes.

immune system
The immune system is our body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases. It consists of various components that work together to protect us.

The primary cells of the immune system include:
  • B cells and T cells, which are types of lymphocytes
  • Phagocytes like macrophages
  • Natural killer cells

The immune system has two main types of responses: innate and adaptive. The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense, providing immediate but non-specific protection. The adaptive immune response is slower but more specific. It involves the creation of memory cells to recognize and respond more effectively to previous threats.

MHC I molecules are integral to the adaptive immune response. They help cytotoxic T cells recognize and destroy infected or abnormal cells.

cytotoxic T cells
Cytotoxic T cells, also known as CD8+ T cells, are crucial players in the immune system. Their main job is to kill infected or cancerous cells.

These T cells have receptors on their surface that can recognize antigens presented by MHC I molecules. When a cytotoxic T cell encounters a cell displaying a foreign or abnormal antigen, it binds to the antigen-MHC I complex.

Once bound, the cytotoxic T cell releases enzymes that create pores in the target cell's membrane. It then injects toxic substances into the cell, leading to its destruction.

This process ensures that infected cells are quickly eliminated, preventing the spread of infections or uncontrolled cell growth, like in cancer.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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.

What component of the innate immune system is not part of the adaptive immune system? a. T cells b. antibodies c. mast cells d. B cells

What is another term for adaptive immunity? a. acquired immunity b. innate immunity c. passive immunity d. humoral immunity

Suppose a person was born without the ability to produce MHC I molecules. What problem would that create? a. A person without the ability to produce MHC I molecules would die immediately. b. A person without the ability to produce MHC I molecules would recognize self as non-self, resulting in autoimmune disease. c. The person鈥檚 immune system would not be able to distinguish self and non- self. This would make the person very vulnerable to infection. d. The person鈥檚 immune system would not be able to destroy foreign pathogen due to lack of hydrolytic enzymes. This would make the person very vulnerable to infection.

What are na茂ve B or T cells and how do they function in cell-mediated and humoral immune responses? a. Na茂ve B and T cells are lymphocytes of the B and T types that have come into contact with pathogenic antigens. Na茂ve T cells produce antibodies in the humoral immune response, while na茂ve B cells stimulate the cell-mediated immune response. b. Na茂ve B and T cells are lymphocytes of the B and T types that normally circulate in the body at all times and have not come into contact with any pathogenic antigens. Activated T cells produce antibodies in the humoral immune response, while activated B cells stimulate the cell-mediated immune response. c. Na茂ve B and T cells are lymphocytes of the B and T types that normally circulate in the body at all times and have not come into contact with any pathogenic antigens. Activated B cells produce antibodies in the humoral immune response, while activated T cells stimulate the cell mediated immune response. d. Na茂ve B and T cells are lymphocytes of the B and T types that have come into contact with pathogenic antigens. Na茂ve B cells produce antibodies in the humoral immune response, while na茂ve T cells stimulate the cell-mediated immune response.
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