GRE Subject Test: Biology : Understanding Antibodies and Antigens
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biology
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Animal Biology
Which of the following statements is true concerning antibodies?
Antibodies destroy pathogens once attached
An antibody can attach to multiple pathogens
Antibodies are created by helper T-cells
Antibodies mark pathogens to be destroyed by phagocytic cells
Antibodies mark pathogens to be destroyed by phagocytic cells
An antibody is very specific and will only attach to one antigen. Once it does, the antibody can signal the pathogen or infected cell to be destroyed by macrophages and other phagocytic cells in the body, such as cytotoxic T-cells. The antibodies themselves cannot destroy the pathogen.
T-cells serve important functions in the communication and stimulation of antibody production, but do not actually produce antibodies.
Example Question #2 : Animal Biology
Which of the following statements is true about antibodies?
They have two recognition sites which can recognize two different antigens.
They are seen immediately following an infection.
They are found on the surface of helper T cells.
They can be secreted by plasma cells.
They can be secreted by plasma cells.
Antibodies are part of the adaptive immune response, which means that they are formed later in an infection. Because both recognition sites have the same structure, they are responsive to only one type of antigen. They are located on the outside of B cells, and can be released freely into the plasma by plasma cells.
Example Question #3 : Animal Biology
Which antibody type is able to cross the placental barrier in order to provide temporary passive immunity for the fetus?
IgA
IgM
IgE
IgG
IgG
Placental crossing is done mainly by IgG antibodies. These fast-acting antibodies provide temporary immunity for the fetus until it is able to have its own immune system produce sufficient antibody amounts.
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