Topic 6 key terms

Question 1

DNA profiling

Answer 1

A method of comparing DNA sequences by cutting it into fragments and comparing the fragments with each other for genetic identification or determining genetic relationships.

Question 2

Exons

Answer 2

Sections of genetic material which code for proteins.

Question 2

Forensic entomology

Answer 2

The analysis of the insects found on decomposing tissue which is often used to determine the time of death.

Question 3

Gel electrophoresis

Answer 3

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by their movement through a gel when an electric current is applied.

Question 4

Introns

Answer 4

Sections of genetic material which do not code for proteins.

Question 5

Mature mRNA

Answer 5

mRNA molecules after the removal of the intron sequences by the spliceosome.

Question 6

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Answer 6

A laboratory technique used for the mass amplification of DNA using heat cycling and a thermostable form of DNA polymerase.

Question 7

Pre-mRNA

Answer 7

mRNA molecules before the removal of introns.

Question 8

Rigor Mortis

Answer 8

The stiffening of the body caused by muscles contracting due to chemical changes a few hours after death.

Question 9

Spliceosomes

Answer 9

A complex usually found in the nucleus which removes introns from transcribed mRNA molecules

Question 10

Stage of succession (forensics)

Answer 10

Using knowledge of ecosystem development around a
decomposing body to determine the rough time of death

Question 11

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Answer 11

The name given to the loss of immune function through the destruction of the immune system over time after infection by HIV.

Question 12

Antibody

Answer 12

A protein molecule which binds to an antigen and is produced by B cells in response to an infection.

Question 13

Antigen

Answer 13

A foreign substance which is capable of triggering an immune response

Question 14

Antigen presenting cell (APC)

Answer 14

A type of cell which breaks down pathogens and presents the cellular fragments on their surface for detection by other immune cells.

Question 15

Artificial adaptive immunity

Answer 15

Immunity that is acquired by exposure to a dead or weakened version of a pathogen in the form of a vaccine.

Question 16

Artificial passive immunity

Answer 16

Immunity that is gained by the transfer of premade antibodies to an individual through an injection.

Question 17

Bacterial capsule

Answer 17

A polysaccharide layer that surrounds bacterial cells and provides strength

Question 18

Bactericidal antibiotics

Answer 18

A type of antibiotic which kills bacteria.

Question 19

Bacteriostatic antibiotics

Answer 19

A type of antibiotic which prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with processes required for their growth such as metabolism or DNA replication.

Question 20

B effector cell

Answer 20

A form of B lymphocyte that actively produces and secretes antibodies in response to an infection.

Question 21

B memory cell

Answer 21

A class of B lymphocyte which resides in the lymph nodes and provides long term immunity to a pathogen.

Question 22

Host/Parasite Evolutionary race

Answer 22

The continual competition over time where infectious agents are evolving better infection mechanisms whilst the hosts are simultaneously evolving

Question 23

Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Answer 23

A virus spread through bodily fluids that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS.

Question 24

Inflammation

Answer 24

The immune response to tissue damage involved swelling though the accumulation of immune cells and fluids

Question 25

Interferon

Answer 25

A cytokine released by virus infected cells which alerts nearby cells and triggers immune defences

Question 26

Lysozyme

Answer 26

The enzymes present in secretions such as tears, saliva and mucous which breaks down bacterial cell walls

Question 27

Macrophages

Answer 27

A type of immune cell originating from monocytes which are specialised for phagocytes of pathogens and can act as antigen presenting cells

Question 28

mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer 28

A type of bacterium which causes the disease tuberculosis which typically affects the lungs by causing tissue death

Question 29

Natural adaptive immunity

Answer 29

immunity that is gained from infection with a live pathogen

Question 30

natural passive immunity

Answer 30

Immunity produced by the transfer of antibodies from a mother to a foetus through the placenta or to a baby through breast feeding

Question 31

Pathogen

Answer 31

A microorganism which causes disease

Question 32

Phagocytosis

Answer 32

The ingestion of solid material by phagocytic cells

Question 33

Pili

Answer 33

Small hair-like projections on the surface of bacterial cells used to adhere to other cells

Question 34

Plasma cell (B cell)

Answer 34

A type of lymphocyte which matures in the bone marrow and produces antibodies

Question 35

Plasmid

Answer 35

Loops of DNA found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells

Question 36

Primary immune response

Answer 36

The initial response produced by the immune system when it encounters a pathogen for the first time

Question 37

Secondary immune response

Answer 37

The response produced by the immune system to a pathogen which it has encountered previously

Question 38

Skin flora

Answer 38

A group of typically harmless microorganisms which are found on the surface of the skin and provide protection from harmful pathogens by competing with them for nutirents

Question 39

T cells

Answer 39

A type of lymphocyte that matures in the thymus and is involved in cell mediated immunity

Question 40

T helper cell

Answer 40

A type of T lymphocyte which regulates the immune system through the release of cytokines

Question 41

T killer cell

Answer 41

A type of T lymphocyte which triggers apoptosis in cells which are damaged or infected with viruses

Question 42

T memory cell

Answer 42

A type of T lymphocyte with different subtypes found in different parts of the body which is used to provide long term immunity to a pathogen.

Question 43

Virus

Answer 43

A non-living microorganism that consists of genetic material surrounded by a protein husk.