Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

41. Immune System

Adaptive Immunity

General Biology

41. Immune System

Adaptive Immunity

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1:13 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

What is one of the differences between CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells?
a. CD4⁺ cells are immature, and CD8⁺ cells are mature.
b. CD4⁺ cells are activated, and CD8⁺ cells are not.
c. CD4⁺ cells interact with class II MHC proteins, and CD8⁺ cells interact with class I MHC proteins.
d. CD4⁺ cells activate cell-mediated responses, and CD8⁺ cells activate humoral responses.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of T cells in the immune system: T cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They are primarily involved in identifying and destroying infected cells.

Differentiate between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells: CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, assist other cells in the immune response. CD8+ T cells, also known as cytotoxic T cells, directly attack and destroy infected cells.

Identify the interaction with MHC proteins: CD4+ T cells typically interact with antigens presented by class II Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) proteins, which are found on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. CD8+ T cells interact with antigens presented by class I MHC proteins, which are present on almost all nucleated cells.

Evaluate the options given in the problem: Option c states that CD4+ cells interact with class II MHC proteins, and CD8+ cells interact with class I MHC proteins. This aligns with the known functions and interactions of these T cell types.

Conclude which option correctly describes the difference: Based on the understanding of T cell interactions with MHC proteins, option c is the correct description of the difference between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

T Cell Differentiation

T cells are a type of lymphocyte that play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. They differentiate into various subtypes, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, each with distinct functions. CD4+ T cells, also known as helper T cells, assist other cells in the immune response, while CD8+ T cells, or cytotoxic T cells, directly kill infected cells.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

MHC molecules are proteins found on the surfaces of cells that present antigens to T cells. There are two classes: MHC class I, which presents antigens to CD8+ T cells, and MHC class II, which presents antigens to CD4+ T cells. This interaction is crucial for the activation and function of T cells in the immune response.

Immune Response Activation

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are involved in different types of immune responses. CD4+ T cells primarily activate and regulate other immune cells, including B cells and macrophages, facilitating the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. CD8+ T cells are responsible for the direct killing of infected or cancerous cells, playing a key role in cell-mediated immunity.