/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 18 In humans, the causative agent o... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

In humans, the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus) primarily infects: (a) Heart muscle cells (b) Cells lining the alveoli (c) B lymphocytes (d) Sensory neurons (e) Cells of the intestinal epithelium

Short Answer

Expert verified
(c) B lymphocytes

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Epstein-Barr virus

First, identify what the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known for. EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family and one of the most common viruses in humans. It is primarily known for causing infectious mononucleosis, often referred to as "mono" or the "kissing disease."
02

Identify target cells of EBV

EBV primarily targets and infects specific types of immune cells in the human body, particularly focusing on a type of white blood cell.
03

Associate EBV with B lymphocytes

Among the different types of cells within the immune system, EBV is particularly known to infect B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes (B cells) are a crucial component of the adaptive immune system, responsible for producing antibodies.
04

Choose the correct response

Given the answer choices, knowing that EBV primarily infects B lymphocytes, select the option that accurately corresponds to these cells, which is (c) B lymphocytes.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

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

Understanding Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, often simply called "mono," is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is sometimes referred to as the "kissing disease" because it is mainly spread through saliva.
Symptoms of mono can include:
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headaches
  • Body aches
These symptoms can appear four to six weeks after the initial infection. Mono is most common in teenagers and young adults. Usually, there is no need for a specific medication; just rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief are recommended.
This illness typically runs its course in about two to four weeks, but some people might experience tiredness for several months after other symptoms have disappeared.
The Role of B Lymphocytes
B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, are a type of white blood cell important for the immune system. They are part of the adaptive immune system, which is crucial for fighting off diseases and infections. Unlike innate immunity, which provides a general defense, the adaptive immune system can remember specific pathogens.
Here’s more about B cells:
  • B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that specifically target and neutralize pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
  • They are produced in the bone marrow and mature into different types that either circulate in the bloodstream or reside in the lymph nodes.
  • Upon encountering a specific pathogen, B cells can differentiate into plasma cells that produce large quantities of antibodies.
B lymphocytes play a critical role in the body's ability to remember past infections and to provide immunity.
Exploring the Adaptive Immune System
The adaptive immune system is one of the body's defense mechanisms that specifically targets pathogens based on exposure. This part of the immune system "remembers" prior infections and provides a stronger response upon re-exposure. Here’s how it works:
  • The adaptive immune system consists of specialized cells such as B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells).
  • B cells are responsible for producing antibodies specific to the pathogens they encounter.
  • T cells, on the other hand, help in eliminating infected cells and orchestrate the activity of other immune cells.
  • This system adapts to diverse pathogens, providing long-term immunity.
With the adaptive system, vaccinations can offer protection by teaching the body how to recognize and combat particular pathogens without causing the disease itself. Overall, the adaptive immune system is essential for targeting specific threats and providing lasting immunity.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Blood flukes causing schistosomiasis require a particular _____ as an intermediate host to complete their life cycle, while roundworms causing filariasis depend on a ____ host to complete their life cycle . (a) mussel; black fly (b) fish; tick (c) virus; porcine (d) metacercariae; tsetse fly (e) snail, mosquito

Bacterial endocarditis is an infection and inflammation of the lining and valves of the heart and occurs as a result of transient bacteria attaching to fibrin from exposed collagen fibers of damaged valvular surfaces. True or false?

____ are the leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis while ____ cause the multisystem disorder rheumatic fever . (a) Group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae); \(\beta\) hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (b) \(\beta\)-hemolytic Staphylococcus pyogenes; Group B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) (c) \(\beta\)-hemolytic Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pneumoniae (d) Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Klebsiella pneumoniae (e) (b) and(c)

A louseborne disease that has influenced the course of wars (epidemic typhus) is caused by: (a) Bartonella bacilliformis (b) Rickettsia prowazekui (c) Rickettsia akari (d) Borrelia burgdorferi (e) Yersinia pestis

Match the following rickettsial and rickettsial-related systemic diseases to their descriptions: _____Rickettsialpox _____Bartonellosis _____Trench fever _____Rocky mountain spotted fever _____Ehrlichiosis _____Bacillary angiomatosis _____Brill-Zinsser disease (a) Spread by dog and blacklegged ticks, this disease resembles rickettsial diseases and is caused by Ehrlichia canis or E. chaffeensis (b) Seen in immunocompromised patients, this disease involves the blood vessels of skin and internal organs (c) Occurs in two forms, Oroya fever and verruga peruana, caused by Bartonella bacilliformis and transmitted by sandflies (d) A recurrence of a typhus infection caused by reactivation of latent organisms harbored in lymph nodes (e) Resembles chickenpox and is caused by Rickettsia akari and transmitted by mites found on house mice (f) Caused by Bartonella quintana, it resembles epidemic typhus because it is transmitted by lice and is prevalent during wars and unsanitary conditions (g) Caused by Rickettsia rickettsui and transmitted by ticks of the Dermacentor genus, a characteristic rash forms on the palms and soles, as well as other places

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.