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BY331 Exam 2 Discussion Questions
1. MHC genes are the most polymorphic genes in the human genome. This means that,
within the population, few individuals share exactly the same sequences for all of
their MHC proteins. What deleterious outcome might occur if all humans shared
exactly the same sequence for their MHC proteins?
-If a new pathogen appeared that did not provide an epitope able to bind to a molecule in
that particular MHC sequence, no T cell response would be mounted. The body would
not be able to fight it off and the entire human species could be wiped out. Having a large
number of MHC genes substantially reduces the risk of one pathogen having such a
deleterious effect. If a pandemic were to occur thousands would die, but because MHC
genes are so polymorphic, there would still be people who have different gene sequences
that could fight that particular pathogen and survive.
2. Compare and contrast MHC I and MHC II (The answer must include 3 parts→ 1
how they are similar; differences in MHC I and MHC II)
-MHC class I and II are similar in the fact that they both present antigen to T cells,
consist of an alpha and beta chain, and are responsible for graft rejection. The two classes
have many differences. MHC I consists of a chain containing three domains that are held
together by intrachain disulfide bonds. In MHC II, each chain has two extracellular
