Biol 2420

Immune System Review Sheet

1. Select the word of each pair that fits most appropriately to describe the origin of the immune
system.
The immune system consists of a complex set of cells, factors, and processes that provide
( nonspecific / specific ) resistance to a host. The system originates in the ( fetus / adult ) with a
cell called the ( stem / primordial ) cell. This cell differentiates into ( lymphoid / leukoid ) cells
that will become T and B cells. One cell type migrates through the ( thyroid / thymus ) to
become the T cell. Another cell type passes through the bone marrow or other tissue to become
the ( B cell / plasma cell ). Mature B and T cells are both (granulocytes / lymphocytes ).
Eventually, both cell types reside in the (bone marrow / lymphoid organs ) where they carry out
their function as immune system cells.
2. Indicate whether the following statements relating to antigens are true or false. If the
statement is false, substitute a word for the underlined word to make the statement true.
______

a. An antigen is any substance that they body identifies as self.

______

b. Lipids make the best antigens because they have significant structural diversity
and persist for a longer time in the body.

______

c. The term immunoglobulin can be used synonymously with antigen because these
are proteins in the globulin fraction of serum.

______

d. An epitope is a molecule that is generally too small to be a good antigen.

______

e. The specific site on an Ag molecule where the Ab binds is called the opsonic site.

______

f. The word immunogen refers to the ability of an Ag to react with a specific immune
response.

______

g. A single bacterium may contain many different antigens, any of which can
stimulate an immune response.

3. Match the class of antibody with the characteristics below.

a. Consists of 5 monomers

IgA

b. Important in allergic reactions

IgE

c. The main Ab in the bloodstream

IgG

d. Sometimes occurs as a dimer

IgM

e. Booster immunizations raise its level considerably

f. Present in body secretions, such as sweat
g. First Ab to appear in the circulation after exposure to Ag
h. Crosses the placenta to provide immunity to the fetus
i. Occurs in colostrum

4. Complete the following table on the 4 types of acquired immunity.

Natural, active
Natural, passive
Artificial, active
immunity
immunity
immunity
Definition or
description

Artificial, passive
immunity

Give an
example
What is
actually
given to the
host?
How soon is
the host
immune?
How long
does this
immunity
last?
5. Describe the function or role of each of the following cell types:
memory B cells
cytotoxic T cells
plasma cells
helper T cells
antigen-presenting cells
memory T cells
6. Name at least 6 organs or sites that are considered lymphoid organs. How does each of these
sites/organs participate in immune responses?
7. Draw a diagram illustrating development of a humoral immune response.
8. Draw a diagram illustrating development of a cell-mediated immune response.
9. Define, give an example, and note an advantage of each of the following types of vaccines.
inactivated vaccine
toxoid
recombinant vaccine
attenuated vaccine
subunit vaccine
conjugate vaccine