Immune System (VSAQs)
Zoology-2 | Unit-4B: Immune System – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Unit-4B: Immune System. This page includes the most important FAQs from previous exams. Each answer is presented in the exam format to help you prepare effectively and aim for top marks in your final exams.
VSAQ-1: Define the Terms Immunity and Immune System
Immunity is like having a personal bodyguard that protects you from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. It’s your body’s ability to recognize and fight off these disease-causing microorganisms, keeping you healthy. On the other hand, the immune system is the team of bodyguards, a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins working together to keep you safe. When something harmful enters your body, this team springs into action, identifying and eliminating the threat to keep you protected from infections.
VSAQ-2: Differentiate Between Mature B-Cells and Functional B-Cells
Mature B-cells are like newly trained soldiers who have just completed their training in the bone marrow. They carry various antibodies on their surface, ready to recognize and respond to specific invaders. However, they’re not yet fully equipped for battle. Once they move to secondary lymphoid organs like the spleen or lymph nodes, they develop into functional B-cells. These functional B-cells are battle-ready, transforming into memory cells that remember the invaders and effector plasma cells that produce antibodies to fight them off. This transformation is crucial for long-term immunity and a quick defense against pathogens when they strike.
VSAQ-3: What Are Complement Proteins?
Complement proteins are like a special forces unit within your blood and on cell surfaces. When they’re activated, they team up to form something called the membrane attack complex (MAC). Think of MAC as a powerful weapon that can punch holes in the outer membranes of harmful cells, causing them to swell up and burst. This process is part of the complement system, which acts as a critical defense mechanism, helping your immune system to quickly eliminate infections and foreign invaders from your body.
VSAQ-4: “Colostrum Is Very Much Essential for Newborn Infants.” Justify
Colostrum is like a natural superhero for newborns, providing them with a powerful first line of defense against harmful germs. It’s a special type of milk produced by the mother right after birth, and it’s packed with IgA antibodies. When a baby drinks colostrum, these antibodies are transferred from the mother to the baby, giving the newborn what’s known as natural passive immunity. This immunity acts like a protective shield, strengthening the baby’s immune system and ensuring that they stay healthy and safe during those critical first days of life.
VSAQ-5: Differentiate Between Perforins and Granzymes
Perforins and granzymes work together like a well-coordinated team in your immune system. Perforins are like tiny missiles that target infected cells, creating small holes in their membranes. These openings allow granzymes, which are like skilled assassins, to enter the infected cells through these holes. Once inside, granzymes get to work, activating specific proteins that destroy the infected cell from within. This duo is essential for protecting your body from harmful invaders like viruses, ensuring that infected cells are swiftly and effectively eliminated to maintain your health.