HWA CHONG INSTITUTION

2021-2022 H2 BIOLOGY
EXTENSION TOPIC A: INFECTIOUS DISEASES
TEAM BASED LEARNING (TBL) SESSION 2.1 & 2.2

Practice Question (PrQ)

1. N17 H2 P2 Q10
Fig. 10.1 shows the infection of a cell by a virus.

Fig. 10.1

Fig. 10.2 shows molecules of immunoglobulins G (IgG) attaching to viruses.

Fig. 10.2

(a) Describe how the molecules of IgG attach to the viral capsid. [2]

(b) Using information shown in Fig. 10.1 and Fig. 10.2, explain how the attachment of IgG prevents
the virus from infecting the cell. [3]
[Total: 5]

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION / 2021-2022 H2 BIOLOGY / ETA / Infectious Diseases / TBL 2.1 & 2.2 PrQ
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 2. N18 H2 P2 Q10
Fig. 10.1 shows the percentage of the population having the TB vaccination and the rate of TB
transmission from 1980 to 2010 in country P.

Fig. 10.1

(a) Describe and explain the changes in the rate of TB transmission that are shown in Fig. 10.1. [3]

Fig. 10.2 shows the percentage of the population having the TB vaccination and the rate of TB
transmission from 1980 to 2010 in country Q.

Fig. 10.2
(b) Suggest reasons for the differences in the rates of TB transmission between country P and
country Q, as shown in Fig. 10.1 and Fig. 10.2.
[2]

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION / 2021-2022 H2 BIOLOGY / ETA / Infectious Diseases / TBL 2.1 & 2.2 PrQ
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 [Total: 5]
3. N18 H2 P3 Q2
Mammals have both a non-specific (Innate) and a specific (adaptive) immune system.

(a) Outline the components of the non-specific immune system in mammals.

[4]

To protect their offspring from specific pathogens in the environment, female mammals pass on
antibodies through the placenta and in the milk.

In contrast, honey bees cannot make antibodies since they only have a non-specific immune system.
However, queen honey bees can pass on fragments of pathogenic bacteria in their eggs to their
offspring. These fragments stimulate an enhanced immune response in the offspring.

Complete Table 2.1 with ticks to show whether these two examples of enhanced immunity in
offspring are active, natural or passive or a combination of these.

Table 2.1

type of immunity mammals honey bee

active

natural

passive
[2]

(c) Honey bees are important for pollinating fruit crops. Without pollination, fruits are not produced.
Suggest why it is economically important to investigate the mechanism of immunity in honey
bees.
[3]

[Total: 9]

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION / 2021-2022 H2 BIOLOGY / ETA / Infectious Diseases / TBL 2.1 & 2.2 PrQ
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 4. 2020 ACJC P2 Q10 (modified)

Allergies, such as asthma, are the result of an over-reaction by the immune system to harmless
antigens. During an asthma attack, the immune system responds to the presence of a specific
antigen by producing antibodies.
These antibodies attach to the surface of mast cells in the airways causing these cells to release
histamine. This hormone-like chemical stimulates inflammation in the lining of the airways, making
breathing very difficult.
Fig. 10.1 shows the immune responses involved in allergic asthmatic inflammation.

Fig. 10.1

(a) With reference to Fig. 10.1 and your knowledge on immune response, describe how the initial
exposure to an antigen triggers the production of histamine by mast cells.
[3]

(b) Studies have shown that breastfed children have fewer respiratory tract infections in early life.
This may be a factor for the protective effect of breastfeeding against asthma development
since respiratory tract infections are an established risk factor for asthma.

State the type of immunity conferred on the child from the drinking of breast milk and suggest
why breastfed infants appear to have superior immune function compared to formula-fed
infants. [2]

[Total: 5]

HWA CHONG INSTITUTION / 2021-2022 H2 BIOLOGY / ETA / Infectious Diseases / TBL 2.1 & 2.2 PrQ
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