Sinclair Community College | bio 2205 exam 5

Agglutination

The aggregation of antibodies of suspended cells or similar-size particles into clumps that settle.

Dichotomous keys

Flow charts that offer two choices or pathways at each level.

ELISA

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a very sensitive serological test used to detect antibodies in diseases such as AIDS.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism. It is ultimately responsible for an organism's phenotype or expressed characteristics.

Hybridization

A process that matches complementary strands of nucleic acid. They are used for locating specific sites of types of nucleic acids.

Immunologic

Entails serologic analysis.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism produced by the interaction between its genetic potential and the environment.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A technique that amplifies segments of DNA for testing. Using denaturation, primers, and heat-resistant DNA polymerase, the number can be increased several millionfold.

Precipitation

An immune testing reaction in which the antigen to be examined is a soluble molecule that is made insoluble and visible to the naked eye by the addition of an antibody.

Probes

Small fragments of single-stranded DNA (RNA) that are known to be complementary to the specific sequence of DNA being studied.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

A type of PCR that utilizes primers with random sequences in order to identify microbial populations that are relatively unknown.

Serology

The branch of immunology that deals with in vitro diagnostic testing of serum.

Titer

In immunochemistry, a measure of antibody level in a patient, determined by agglutinatin methods.

Transcriptome

The genomic analysis of the entire complement RNA molecules produced by a cell.

Tuberculin test

A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is injected into the skin.

Western blotting

A procedure for separating and identifying antigen or antibody mixtures by two-dimensional electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel, followed by immune labeling.

Agranulocyte

One form of leukocyte (white blood cell) having globular, nonlobed nuclei and lacking prominent cytoplasmic granules. Includes the following cells: Monocytes, T cells and B cells

Antibody

A large protein molecule produced in response to an antigen or foreign molecule or marker and can bind and interact specifically with that antigen.

Antibody-mediated immunity

An "arm" or branch of the immune system that provides specific protection from disease by the products of B cells.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)

Short protein molecules found in epithelial cells; can kill bacteria.

B lymphocytes (B cells)

A white blood cell that gives rise to plasma cells and antibodies.

Basophil

A motile polymorphonuclear leukocyte that binds IgE and function in inflammatory events.

Blood cells

Cellular components of the blood consisting of erythrocytes, primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide, and leukocytes, mainly responsible for host defense and immune reactions.

Bursa of Fabricius

A lymphatic gland in the cloaca in birds in which antibody-producing cells were first demonstrated and described as "bursa-derived cells," giving these types of cells the name B cells.

Cell-mediated immunity

An "arm" or branch of the immune system that is brought about through the actions of the T cells, such as cytotoxic and helper effects.

Chemical mediators

Small molecules released during inflammation and specific immune reactions that allow communication between the immune system cells and facilitate surveillance, recognition, and attack.

Chemokines

Chemical mediators (cytokines) that stimulate the movement and migration of white blood cells.

Chemotactic factors

Chemical mediators that stimulate the movement of white blood cells.

Chemotaxis

The tendency of organisms to move in response to a chemical gradient (toward an attractant or away to avoid adverse stimuli).

Complement

In immunology, serum proteins that are activated in a cascade and act in a definite sequence when set in motion either by an antigen-antibody complex or by factors of the alternative pathway.

Cytokine

A chemical substance produced by white blood cells and tissue cells that regulate development, inflammation, and immunity.

Dendritic cell

A large, antigen-processing cell characterized by long, branchlike extensions of the cell membrane and derived from Monocytes.

Desquamate

To shed the cuticle in scales; to peel off the outer layer of a surface.

Diapedesis

The migration of intact blood cells between endothelial cells of a blood vessel (venule).

Edema

The accumulation of excess fluid in cells, tissues, or serous cavities. Also called swelling.

Endogenous

Originating or produced within an organism or one of its parts.

Eosinophil

A leukocyte whose cytoplasmic granules readily stain with red eosin dyes. These Granulocytes function in worm and fungal infections and allergy and inflammatory reactions.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells; involved in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Exogenous

Originating outside the body.

Exudate

Fluid that escapes cells into the extracellular spaces during the inflammatory response.

Ferritin

An iron-binding protein found in all cell types.

Granulocyte

A mature leukocyte that contains noticeable granules in a Wright stain. These include the following leukocytes: neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils.

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)

A collection of lymphoid tissue in the gastrointestinal tract that includes the appendix, the lacteals, and Peyer's patches.

Hematopoiesis

The process by which the various types of blood cells are formed in the bone marrow.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries iron.

Histiocyte

Another term for macrophage.

Immunity

An acquired resistance to an infectious agent due to prior contact with that agent.

Immunology

The study of the system of body defenses that protect against infection.

Interferon (IFN)

Natural human chemical that inhibits viral replication; used therapeutically to combat viral infections and cancer.

Lactoferrin

A protein in mucosal secretions, tears, and milk, that contains iron molecules and has antimicrobial activity.

Leukocytes

White blood cells. The primary infection-fighting blood cells.

Lymphatic system

A system of vessels and organs that serve as sites for development of immune cells and immune reactions. It includes the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and GALT.

Lymphocyte

The second most common form of white blood cells and includes B and T cells.

Lysosome

A cytoplasmic organelle containing lysozyme and other hydrolytic enzymes. It is considered the "trash can" of the cell because of its ability to break down damaged molecules or engulfed microorganisms.

Lysozyme

An enzyme found in sweat, tears, and saliva that breaks down bacterial peptidoglycan.

Macrophage

A white blood cell derived from a monocyte that leaves the circulation and enters tissues. These cells are important in nonspecific phagocytosis and in regulating, stimulating, and cleaning up after immune responses.

Marker

A trait or indicator located on a cell, virus, or molecule that makes it distinct and recognizable.

Mast cell

A nonmotile connective tissue cell implanted along capillaries, especially in the lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract. They are known for their role in local inflammatory reactions and involvement in allergic responses.

Monocyte

A large mononuclear leukocyte (Agranulocyte) normally found in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and loose connective tissue. This cell type makes up 3% to 7% of circulating leukocytes.

Mononuclear phagocyte system

A collection of monocytes and macrophages scattered throughout the extracellular spaces that engulf and degrade foreign molecules.

Natural killer (NK) cells

Cells that are derived directly from lymphoid stem cells that do not have specific antigen receptors and can directly attack and kill virus-infected and cancer cells.

Neutrophil

A mature granulocyte present in peripheral circulation, exhibiting a multi-lobular nucleus and numerous cyctoplasmic granules that retain a neutral stain. They are active phagocytic cells in bacterial infections.

Nonself

Molecules recognized by the immune system as containing foreign markers, indicating a need for an immune response.

Null cells

Lymphocytes derived from lymphoid stem cells; primarily natural killer (NK) cells that can act together with other parts of the immune response or independently.

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)

Molecules on the surface of many types of microbes that are not present on host cells that mark the microbes as foreign.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)

Molecules on the surface of host defense cells that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns on microbes.

Peyer's patches

Oblong lymphoid tissue aggregates located in the gut mostly in the terminal and small intestine wall and act as immune sensing structures in the gut.

Phagocyte

A class of white blood cells capable of engulfing other cells and particles (especially microorgansims and infectious agents).

Phagolysosome

A body formed in a phagocyte, consisting of a union between a vesicle containing the ingested particle and a vacuole of hydrolytic enzymes.

Phagosome

A vacuole formed within a phagocytic cell when it extends its pseudopods to engulf or enclose a cell or particle.

Plasma

The carrier fluid element of blood.

Plasma cell is produced by an activated B cell that actively produces and secretes antibodies.

Platelets

Formed elements in the blood that develop when megakarycytoes disintegrate. They are involved in hemostasis and blood clotting.

Pus

The viscous, opaque, often yellowish matter formed by an inflammatory infection. It consists of serum exudate, tissue debris, leukocytes, and microorganisms.

Pyogenic

Pertains to organisms that induce pus formation.

Self

Natural markers of the body that are recognized by the immune system and normal and belonging to that organism.

Serous

Referring to serum, the clear fluid that escapes cells during the inflammatory response.

Serum

The clear fluid expressed from clotted blood that contains dissolved nutrients, antibodies, and hormones but not cells or clotting factors.

Siderophores

Low-molecular-weight molecules produced by many microorganisms that can tightly bind iron.

Stem cells

Pluripotent, undifferentiated cells that can divide and produce cells that will become specialized or differentiated cells.

T lymphocytes (T cells)

A white blood cell that is processed and undergoes maturation steps in the thymus and is involved in cell-mediated immunity.

Thymus

Butterfly-shaped organ near the tip of the sternum that is the site of T cell maturation.

Toll-like receptors

A category of pattern recognition receptors that binds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns on microbes.

Transferrin

A protein in the plasma fraction of blood that binds and transports iron.

Vasoactive

Referring to chemical mediators involved in the immune response that act on endothelial cells or the smooth muscle of blood vessels causing them to either constrict or relax.

White blood cells

Clear or colorless cells also called leukocytes. These include both granulocytes and agranulocytes..

Whole blood

A liquid connective tissue consisting of blood cells (erythrocytes and leukocytes) and platelets suspended in a liquid water based solution called plasma.

Active immunity

Immunity acquired through direct immune system stimulation by antigen on a microorganism usually through active infection.

Adjuvant

In immunology or vaccination an extra added chemical enhances antigenicity, presumably by prolonging antigen retention at the injection site.

Agglutinate

The aggregation or clumping by antibodies of suspended cells or similar-size particles into clumps that settle.

Allergen

A substance that provokes an allergic response.

Alloantigen is an antigen present in some, but not all, members of the same species.

Anamnestic response

In immunology, an augmented response or memory related to a prior immune system stimulation by antigen. It boosts the levels of immune substances.

Antigen (Ag)

Any cell, particle, or chemical that induces a specific immune response by B cells or T cells and can stimulate resistance to an infection or a toxin.

Antigen binding site

Specific region at the end of the antibody molecule that recognizes specific antigens. These sites have numerous shapes to fit a wide variety of antigens.

Antigenicity

The property of a substance to stimulate a specific immune response such as antibody formation.

Antitoxin

Globulular serum fraction involving antibodies that can neutralize a specific toxin.

Artificial immunity is immunity induced as a medical intervention, either by exposing an individual to an antigen or administering immune substances to him or her.

Cell-mediated immunity

An "arm" or branch of the immune system that is brought about through the actions of the T cells, such as cytotoxic and helper effects.

Clonal selection theory

A conceptual explanation for the increased production of lymphocyte specificity and variety during immune maturation.