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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

Which type of immune cells are responsible for eradicating intracellular pathogens?(a) natural killer cells(b) mast cells(c) neurons(d) specific lymphocytesThe question was asked during an online exam.My doubt stems from The Immune Response topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (a) natural KILLER cells

The explanation is: Natural killer cells are components of innate immunity that act by KILLING the cells INFECTED by INTRACELLULAR pathogens. The natural killer (NK) cells induce the infected cells to undergo apoptosis.
2.

The activation of T-cell by the dendritic cells is associated with __________________(a) increase in magnesium ions(b) decrease in magnesium ions(c) increase in calcium ions(d) decrease in calcium ionsI had been asked this question in homework.I'd like to ask this question from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (c) increase in CALCIUM ions

To explain I would SAY: When the antigen-presenting cells – dendritic cells display fragments of antigens on their surface in the lymph nodes, the binding with a particular T-cell receptor occurs that leads to activation of the latter. The activation is ASSOCIATED with a TRANSIENT increase in cytosolic calcium concentration.

3.

Plasma cells possess extensive smooth endoplasmic reticulum.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me during an online exam.Question is taken from Immune Response in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT CHOICE is (b) False

The best EXPLANATION: Plasma cells are differentiated from the B-cells (PRECURSORS) and contain an extensive network of rough endoplasmic reticulum to provide for the excessive protein synthesis involved in antibody production.

4.

Which of the following is an antimicrobial peptide synthesized by lymphocytes?(a) adhesins(b) condensins(c) defensins(d) complementThe question was posed to me during a job interview.Question is taken from The Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»
5.

T-cells are activated by _______________(a) autoantibodies(b) antibodies(c) fragments of antigens(d) intact antigensI have been asked this question during an online exam.I'd like to ask this question from Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (c) fragments of antigens

The EXPLANATION: Unlike B-cells, T-cells do not REQUIRE intact antigens for ACTIVATION rather small fragments of antigens. The antigen-presenting cells display fragments of antigens on their SURFACES that can be recognized by the T-cell receptors.

6.

Adaptive immune responses are more specific that innate immune responses.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My question is based upon The Immune Response in portion Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»
7.

A harmless version of tetanus toxin is called _________________(a) clostridium(b) plasmid(c) toxoid(d) thylakoidI have been asked this question in a national level competition.Enquiry is from Immune Response topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right answer is (c) TOXOID

To explain I WOULD say: Tetanus is caused by an anaerobic soil bacterium KNOWN as CLOSTRIDIUM tetani. For immunity against tetanus, infants are inoculated with a harmless version of the tetanus neurotoxin – toxoid.

8.

Humoral immunity is mediated by ______________(a) mast cells(b) neutrophils(c) lymphocytes(d) leukocytesThis question was addressed to me in an interview for internship.This is a very interesting question from The Immune Response topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (c) lymphocytes

The best I can explain: Humoral immunity is the falls under the ADAPTIVE IMMUNE response and is MEDIATED by the antibody-secreting B-lymphocytes. The antibodies are globular, blood-borne proteins of the IMMUNOGLOBULIN superfamily.

9.

Patients suffering from which of the following disease contain large quantities of a single type of antibodies?(a) glioblastoma(b) prostate cancer(c) breast cancer(d) multiple myelomaThis question was posed to me in final exam.Question is taken from Molecular Basis of Immunity in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (d) multiple myeloma

Explanation: In multiple myeloma, the plasma cells go out of CONTROL and convert into MALIGNANT cells. The plasma cells make an abnormal ANTIBODY in this disease, the ANTIBODIES are known by several names – monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein etc.

10.

Chemokines act as ___________________(a) buffers(b) receptors(c) chemoattractants(d) antibodiesThe question was asked in a job interview.My question comes from Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (c) chemoattractants

For explanation: CHEMOKINES are a small family of cytokines that are powerful chemo-attractants that STIMULATE and regulate the migration of lymphocytes into the INFLAMMATION sites.

11.

Which type of interferons is associated with an antiviral innate response?(a) Type I(b) Type II(c) Type III(d) Type IVI have been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.This interesting question is from The Immune Response in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) Type I

The BEST I can explain: In a type of antiviral response initiated within the CELL, type I interferons (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta) are PRODUCED and secreted into the extracellular space where they bind to noninfected cells and RENDER them resistant to subsequent VIRAL infections.

12.

Cyclosporin A is a drug that __________________(a) suppresses the immune system(b) increases body temperature(c) increases the production of antibodies(d) decreases body temperatureThe question was posed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) suppresses the immune system

Best explanation: Cyclosporin A is a drug that suppresses immune system FOLLOWING transplant SURGERY. It is a CYCLIC PEPTIDE produced by a soil fungus that inhibits the phosphatasein the signaling pathway that leads to the PRODUCTION of cytokines.

13.

Perforins and granzymes are secreted by ______________________(a) Cytotoxic T lymphocytes(b) Helper T lymphocytes(c) Regulatory T lymphocytes(d) B lymphocytesI had been asked this question in a job interview.The query is from Immune Response in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct CHOICE is (a) Cytotoxic T lymphocytes

The best I can EXPLAIN: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes patrol the body and screen cells for abnormalities. The CTLs SECRETE perforins in tightly enclosed SPACE between cells that leads to the formation of transmembrane channels through which the granzymes enter the cells and DIRECT them to apoptosis.

14.

What is not required in the innate immune responses?(a) antigen(b) strong immunity(c) pathogen(d) previous contactThis question was posed to me in an interview.The question is from The Immune Response in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT answer is (d) previous contact

For EXPLANATION: In innate immune responses, prior encounter with the MICROBE is not required. The innate immune responses provide the body with first line of DEFENSE. The other type of immunity is acquired immunity.
15.

After the clearance of foreign antigen, the expanded T-cell population ________________(a) dies by apoptosis(b) increases in size(c) remains in the circulatory system(d) remains in lymph nodesI had been asked this question in an online quiz.This intriguing question comes from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (a) DIES by apoptosis

To elaborate: After the clearance of foreign ANTIGEN, the expanded T-cell population dies by apoptosis and a SMALL population of memory T-cells remains for future contact with the same antigen.

16.

In which year was the two “gene – one polypeptide” hypothesis put forward?(a) 1945(b) 1955(c) 1965(d) 1975The question was posed to me at a job interview.The question is from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT choice is (c) 1965

For EXPLANATION I would say: The “two gene – ONE polypeptide” hypothesis was put forward in the year 1965 by William Dreyer of the California Institute of Technology and J. Claude BENNETT of the University of ALABAMA.
17.

Who discovered the vaccination against smallpox?(a) Louis Pasteur(b) Francis Crick(c) Barbara McClintock(d) Edward JennerThis question was addressed to me during an online interview.The query is from Immune Response topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) Edward JENNER

Easy explanation: In 1796, Edward Jenner discovered the vaccine against smallpox by deliberately infecting an eight-year-old boy with cowpox and then injecting the pus of smallpox LESION under his skin. He then FOUND out that the boy showed immunity against the LATTER.

18.

In case of acquired immune system, a secondary immune response is generated by the ______________(a) memory B-cells(b) germ cells(c) lymphoid tissues(d) antigensThis question was posed to me in final exam.My question is taken from Immune Response topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer» RIGHT answer is (a) memory B-CELLS

Explanation: A few activated B-cells remain in the LYMPHOID tissue as memory B-cells. These cells GENERATE a secondary immune response by differentiating into plasma cells upon a second encounter with the same antigen.
19.

Fragments of antigens are held at the surface of antigen presenting cells by _________________(a) histones(b) antibodies(c) major histocompatibility complex(d) epitopeI have been asked this question at a job interview.My enquiry is from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The CORRECT answer is (c) major histocompatibility complex

Explanation: Fragments of antigens are HELD at the surfaces of antigen presenting cells (APCs) with the help of MHC (major histocompatibility complex) MOLECULES. The T LYMPHOCYTES are activated with the help of antigen presenting cells.

20.

B-lymphocytes that do not differentiate into plasma cells are called _______________________(a) T-lymphocytes(b) Helper T-cells(c) Memory B cells(d) Memory T-cellsI had been asked this question in semester exam.My enquiry is from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT ANSWER is (c) Memory B cells

Easiest explanation: Not all activated B-cells are differentiated into plasma cells; some are also RETAINED in the lymphoid TISSUE. These memory B-cells can reappear and respond rapidly to the INVADING antigen if a second encounter happens.
21.

B and T lymphocytes arise from _____________(a) hematopoietic stem cells(b) germ cells(c) somatic cells(d) spermatocytesThe question was asked in an interview for internship.Question is taken from The Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (a) hematopoietic stem cells

The BEST explanation: B and T cells arise from the same precursor – hematopoietic stem cells that undergo different pathways of differentiation. B-lymphocytes target the extracellular pathogens whereas the T-lymphocytes ATTACK intracellular pathogens.

22.

Proliferation of T-cells in response to antigen presentation is accompanied by enlargement of __________________(a) lymph nodes(b) area of infection(c) size of antibody(d) size of B-cellsThis question was addressed to me in quiz.This interesting question is from Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) lymph nodes

To EXPLAIN: When a FRAGMENT of ANTIGEN binds to the T-cell receptor, it results in the proliferation of a particular clone of T-cells. A T-cell can proliferate 3 to 4 TIMES per day, accompanied by enlargement of the lymph nodes.

23.

Helper T lymphocytes possess ____________ proteins on their surface.(a) CD2(b) CD3(c) CD4(d) CD5The question was posed to me in an interview.The origin of the question is Immune Response in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (c) CD4

To explain: The helper T CELLS have CD4 proteins on their surface INSTEAD of CD8 proteins as in case of cytotoxic T cells. Helper T cells play a role in orchestrating ATTACK against a specific pathogen.

24.

Class-switching of antibodies can occur by changing the ___________________(a) heavy chain(b) light chain(c) pH(d) temperatureThis question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.My question is from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (a) HEAVY chain

Easy explanation: The class-switching of antibodies can TAKE place by CHANGING the heavy chains of immunoglobulins without make any CHANGE to the antigen binding region. B cells can change the antibodies they make even after PRODUCING them.

25.

Which of the following proteins in fruit fly play the major function of dorsoventral polarity of the fly embryo?(a) Toll(b) NEF1(c) Transposons(d) Linker DNAI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.The question is from The Immune Response in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (a) TOLL

The explanation is: The protein Toll, present in the FRUIT FLY, plays a DUAL role of promoting DORSOVENTRAL development of the embryo and providing the fly with immunity against pathogens.

26.

Who proposed the clonal selection theory?(a) James Watson(b) Niels Jerne(c) Francis Crick(d) Frank MacFarlane BurnetThe question was asked in an online interview.This is a very interesting question from Immune Response topic in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right OPTION is (d) FRANK MacFarlane Burnet

The best I can explain: Frank MacFarlane Burnet was an Australian immunologist who in 1957 proposed the clonal selection theory – a MODEL that dictates how the PRODUCTION of a single type of antibody is produced in excess.

27.

The antigenic determinant is called _________________(a) epitope(b) epitome(c) microbiome(d) metagenomeThis question was addressed to me in an online interview.My question is taken from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) epitope

The explanation is: The ANTIGENIC DETERMINANT – epitome is the combining SITE of an antibody that has a complementary stereochemical structure to a particular portion of the antigen. Different ANTIBODIES contain variable epitopes.

28.

IgG is the predominant antibody in the secretion of respiratory tract.(a) True(b) FalseThe question was posed to me in a job interview.My question comes from Molecular Basis of Immunity in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»
29.

Which of the following group of pathogens always reside intracellularly in the host?(a) virus(b) fungi(c) molds(d) bacteriaThis question was addressed to me in an interview.I would like to ask this question from The Immune Response topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (a) virus

Easy EXPLANATION: The viruses (both DNA and RNA) always reside INSIDE the host CELL and hence can be classified as intracellular pathogens. Others such as bacteria can be intracellular or extracellular.

30.

The dendritic cells were discovered by _______________(a) Ralph Steinman(b) Barry Marshall(c) David Baltimore(d) Peter MedawarI have been asked this question in my homework.Query is from Immune Response topic in portion Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct answer is (a) Ralph Steinman

To explain I would say: The vital antigen PRESENTING cells (APCs) INCLUDE DENDRITIC cells and MACROPHAGES. Dendritic cells were discovered and characterized by Ralph Steinman of the ROCKEFELLER University in 1970s.

31.

For the body to develop immunologic tolerance, production of ____________________ must be prevented.(a) antibodies(b) antigens(c) autoantibodies(d) lymphocytesThis question was posed to me in final exam.I want to ask this question from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (C) AUTOANTIBODIES

The best explanation: For the body to DEVELOP immunologic tolerance, the production of autoantibodies MUST be prevented. Autoantibodies can react with the body’s own tissues and cause organ destruction.

32.

T-cells secrete antibodies for eradicating the infected cells.(a) True(b) FalseThis question was posed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My query is from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (B) False

Explanation: UNLIKE B-lymphocytes, the T-cells do not secrete antibodies for DESTROYING the infected cells. The T-cells POSSESS T-cell receptors on their surfaces, by which they can interact DIRECTLY with the antigen-presenting cells.

33.

Which of the following is the main target of HIV?(a) Helper T cells(b) Autoantibodies(c) Cytotoxic T cells(d) B lymphocytesThe question was asked in examination.The query is from Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (a) Helper T cells

Easiest explanation: Helper T cells (TH) play an important role in the attack against specific antigens. The HIV ATTACKS helper T cells which are necessary for the DIFFERENTIATION of B cells into antibody secreting plasma cells. When the count of TH cells in the body DROPS below 200 cells/μl the body becomes prone to infections.

34.

Some of the activated B-cells lead to the formation of short-lived ______________________(a) plasma cells(b) evanescent waves(c) memory cells(d) thymus cellsThe question was asked in an internship interview.My question is from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right option is (a) plasma cells

For explanation I would say: The antibody-producing B-cells are ACTIVATED after ENCOUNTER with ANTIGEN. A proportion of these antibody producing cells are differentiated into short-lived plasma cells that secrete large AMOUNTS of antibodies.

35.

Which of the following drug acts by stimulating toll-like receptors (TLRs)?(a) Doxorubicin(b) Neosporin(c) Aldara(d) VimentinThe question was asked in homework.Question is taken from The Immune Response in portion Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct ANSWER is (c) ALDARA

The EXPLANATION: The drug Imiquimod commercially known as Aldara is a drug that acts by activating the toll-like receptors at the site. This further allows MOUNTING of IMMUNE response at the site of application.

36.

Plasma cells are mainly found in the bone marrow.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question during an interview for a job.Asked question is from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in division Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (a) True

Best explanation: B lymphocytes play VITAL role in acquired immunity against diseases and antigens. Upon contact with an antigen, the B CELLS convert to plasma cells, the latter are found mainly in the bone marrow which is the soft tissue inside the bones.

37.

In all the immunoglobulins, there are _____ type(s) of light chains and ______ type(s) of heavy chain.(a) 2, 1(b) 2, 2(c) 1, 2(d) 1, 1This question was posed to me in exam.The query is from Molecular Basis of Immunity in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (b) 2, 2

To EXPLAIN: An antibody or immunoglobulin UNIT consists of four protein chains. Two identical Heavy chains and Light chains joined USING a disulphide bridge.

38.

Which is the first antibody secreted by B cells following stimulation by an antigen?(a) IgG(b) IgM(c) IgE(d) IgDI got this question during an interview for a job.Question is taken from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) IgM

The BEST I can explain: B cells produce FIVE different types of Immunoglobulins (ANTIBODIES) – IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE. The first antibody to be SECRETED by the B cells FOLLOWING stimulation by an antigen is IgM.

39.

Binding of which of the following antibody’s heavy chain initiates the lysis of bound bacterial cells?(a) IgM(b) IgD(c) IgA(d) IgEThis question was addressed to me in an interview for job.This key question is from Molecular Basis of Immunity in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Right choice is (a) IgM

To explain I WOULD say: Binding of HEAVY chain of IgM LEADS to the activation of complement system that initiates the lysis of bacterial cells to which the antibody is bound. Similarly, binding of heavy chain of IGE initiates the ALLERGIC responses.

40.

Cytotoxic T cells are _____________(a) CD2^+(b) CD4^+(c) CD6^+(d) CD8^+The question was posed to me by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.My question is from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer» CORRECT option is (d) CD8^+

Explanation: The cytotoxic T-cells are CD8^+ because they contain a surface PROTEIN CD8 (cluster designation 8). The CTLs screen the cells of the body for any abnormalities and then function to RECTIFY them.
41.

Cytokines are ________________(a) antigens(b) proteins(c) polysaccharides(d) carbohydratesThe question was posed to me in exam.This interesting question is from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (B) PROTEINS

The explanation: Cytokines are small proteins that work at low concentrations; secreted by a wide variety of CELLS and include interferons (IFs), interleukins (ILs), and tumor necrosis factors (TNFs). In addition to cell-cell contact, the T-cells also MEDIATE their interactions by cytokines.

42.

B-cells arise from ______________________(a) progenitor cells(b) antigens(c) antibodies(d) natural killer cellsThis question was posed to me in an interview.This intriguing question originated from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) progenitor cells

For explanation: B-cells arise from UNDIFFERENTIATED and uncommitted progenitor cells. As the B-cells become mature they become committed TOWARDS PRODUCING a single type of ANTIBODY.

43.

According to the “instructive model” the antigen instructs lymphocytes to produce antibodies.(a) True(b) FalseI have been asked this question in exam.I want to ask this question from Immune Response topic in portion Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (a) True

Explanation: Against EVERY antigen and associated DISEASE, an array of ANTIBODIES is generated. According to an earlier model – the “instructive model” the antigen instructs the lymphocytes to produce antibodies against itself.

44.

Which segment of chromosome 2 encodes for the V region of antibody?(a) A segment(b) C segment(c) V-segment(d) J-segmentThis question was posed to me in an interview.I would like to ask this question from Molecular Basis of Immunity topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) J-segment

Easy explanation: The small portion of the chromosome 2 that encodes for V region (VARIABLE region of the immunoglobulin) is called the J segment. On the CHROMOSOMES, the GENES encoding for variable and constant regions of the chromosomes are segregated.

45.

Which of the following is an essential requirement for the differentiation of regulatory T cells?(a) FOXP1(b) FOXP2(c) FOXP3(d) FOXP4I had been asked this question in my homework.My question comes from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct option is (C) FOXP3

The explanation: Regulatory T lymphocytes are inhibitory cells that suppress PROLIFERATION of immune cells. They possess CD4^+ and CD25^+ markers on their surface. The proliferation of TReg cells require a TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR FOXP3.

46.

After entering the target cells, the granzymes activate the ______________________(a) antibodies(b) chemokines(c) perforins(d) caspasesI have been asked this question during an interview.Asked question is from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) CASPASES

Best explanation: After ENTERING the target cells through the perforin TRANSMEMBRANE channels, the GRANZYMES (PROTEOLYTIC enzymes) activate caspases that direct the cells to undergo apotosis.

47.

The heavy and light chains of the antibodies are linked to one another by ____________________(a) covalent bonds(b) disulfide bonds(c) ionic bonds(d) hydrogen bondsThe question was posed to me in an interview for internship.My enquiry is from Immune Response in chapter Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct option is (b) DISULFIDE bonds

For explanation I would say: The ANTIBODIES are globular proteins that CONTAIN heavy CHAINS (molecular mass of 50,000 to 70,000 daltons) and LIGHT chains (23,000 daltons). The heavy and light chains are joined together by disulfide bonds.

48.

Antigens that do not require the involvement of T-cells for the activation of B-cells are _____________________(a) thymus-dependent(b) thymus-independent(c) intracellular pathogens(d) facultative anaerobesI had been asked this question in an online interview.This interesting question is from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (b) thymus-independent

To elaborate: T-cells are usually involved in the process of activation of B-cells and subsequent production of a SINGLE type of ANTIBODY. Few antigens such as polysaccharides of BACTERIAL cell walls do not REQUIRE the involvement of T-cells and therefore termed thymus-independent antigens.

49.

Which of the following serves as antigen receptors?(a) antibodies(b) cytokines(c) chemokines(d) necrosis factorsThis question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.This intriguing question comes from Immune Response topic in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) antibodies

To elaborate: Antibodies are proteins PRODUCED by the B lymphocytes and their DESCENDANTS (plasma cells) that are INCORPORATED in the plasma membranes of the former. The antibodies act as ANTIGEN receptors on the SURFACE of B cells.

50.

Which antibody is produced at high levels in response to parasitic functions?(a) IgA(b) IgE(c) IgG(d) IgDThe question was asked during an interview.The doubt is from Immune Response in section Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer»

The correct choice is (B) IGE

To EXPLAIN I would say: IgE is produced at high levels in response to parasitic infections and these immunoglobulins also BIND to the surface of mast cells with high affinity, TRIGGERING histamine release, which causes allergy and inflammation.