BABS2202 Study (Short Answer Questions) PDF
BABS2202 Study (Short Answer Questions) PDF
BABS2202 Study (Short Answer Questions) PDF
Immunology
• What is chemotaxis?
Chemotaxis is the movement of phagocytic cells towards the site of infection. When an
infection occurs, C5 proteins attach on to the pathogens causing the infection, and are broken
down into C5a and C5b sub-proteins, which spread outwards. The receptors on the
phagocytic cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, detect this higher concentration of
C5a proteins (complement protein) [i.e. change in chemical concentration] within the body.
Afterwards, these cells move towards the highest concentration of C5a compliment proteins
to kill the pathogen and prevent further spread of infection.
Cell Signalling
• Discuss the basic response pathway of cell-cell signalling or communication and
the types of cell communication. What are different types of extracellular
molecules?
1. Signal – extracellular molecules are produced and secreted from one cell to a receptor
of another or itself
2. Receptor – receives the extracellular molecules
3. Transduction – the signal of the extracellular molecules is TRANSLATED and
AMPLIFIED, so it can be read by another cell
4. Response – the signal is interpreted and acted upon by the ‘target proteins’
The types of communication between cells are either direct, via an ion gated channel, or
indirect, via autocrine, paracrine or endocrine pathways. The autocrine pathway involves one
cell, whereby the extracellular molecules are secreted and receives by a receptor on the same
cell. The paracrine pathway involves two cells, but can only be used in close proximity to one
another as the extracellular molecules are unstable for long distances. In contrast, the
endocrine pathway involves hormones that can travel long distances within the bloodstream.
Transduction is the translation and amplification of the signal transmitted and received by the
cell receptor. Once the cell receptor binds to the extracellular molecule, it is activated and
recruits specialised proteins to bind to it and form the cell signalling cascade that reaches the
target protein, and then a response. Another way of transduction, is where the receptor binds
to the extracellular molecules, gets activated and then activates an effector molecule that
produces 2nd messenger molecules for amplification. These 2nd messenger molecules bind to
specialised proteins and goes through the cell signalling cascade, whereby it finally reaches
produces 2nd messenger molecules for amplification. These 2nd messenger molecules bind to
specialised proteins and goes through the cell signalling cascade, whereby it finally reaches
the target protein and a response.
Two types of binding – PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor) and EGF (Epidermal Growth
Factor)
To deactivate the receptors (RTKs) and prevent further unnecessary signalling and responses
being carried out, the receptor is either; broken down by proteasomes when ubiquitin
molecules are attached to the receptor; degraded by lysosomes; or, recycled.
Insulin Receptor
- Insulin Receptors are already present as dimers, unlike the receptors (RTKs)
- Docking proteins are only attached to the receptors
Glucose Receptor
- Since glucose is a large molecule and cannot diffuse through the membrane, it
requires a transporter to cross the membrane and into the cell.
- Once the glucose molecule is in the transporter, the receptor activates protein
kinases that signals the multi-glucose transporter to receive the glucose molecule
and attach it to itself
• Name a disease relating to ion gated coupled receptors and describe it.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease relating to the mutated production of chloride ion gated coupled
receptors that increase the amount of sweating and mucous accumulation in the bronchial
tubes of the lungs. This causes the bronchiole tubes in the lungs to be clogged up, resulting in
a lack of effective breathing and lung infections.
• Explain 3 functions of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and what are its
components?
- Elasticity between cells for mechanical and structural support
- Development of organs
- Cell-cell communication
Components include:
- Collagen à a fibrous protein that connects cells within bone and cartilage
(compression)
- Elastin à a fibrous protein that is a component of connective tissues, e.g. epidermal
layer of skin (tension/elasticity)
- Laminin à a fibrous protein that interacts with collagen and allows cells to migrate
to other areas of the Extracellular Matrix for visceral growth and development
- Fibronectin à a fibrous protein that binds with integrins mainly, but also with
collagen and elastin for extra support in cell adhesion.
- Several Glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) molecules form proteoglycans that have a net
negative charge. This charge attracts cations, such as Na+, and therefore attracts
the negative dipole of the oxygen atom in water. Therefore, it keeps the cell
hydrated.