Immunological System Biochemistry 1

Question 1

Antibodies are made of what building blocks?

Answer 1

They are glycoproteins, composed of 4 polypeptides with a carbohydrate attachment.

Question 2

What allows for antibodies to react to a plethora of antigens?

Answer 2

Different amino-acid sequences on the variable region allows diversity among antigen-binding specificity.

Question 3

What role does Vitamin A play in the immune system?

Answer 3

Maintains mucosal and epithelial lining and secretions and proper B cell and T cell functions

Question 4

What role does Vitamin E play in the immune system?

Answer 4

It is necessary to prevent membrane peroxidative damage in T cells, and to a lesser extent in B cells

Question 5

What role does Vitamin C play in the immune system?

Answer 5

It increases neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis and its antioxidant properties help maintain a defense against oxidative species

Question 6

What role does Vitamin D play in the immune system?

Answer 6

It effects T cell proliferation and enhances cytokine production

Question 7

What role does Zinc play in the immune system?

Answer 7

It enhances natural killer cell activity

Question 8

What role does Selenium play in the immune system?

Answer 8

It affects glutathione peroxidase and phospholipid hydroperoxide, which help reduce arachidonic acid