HLA Genetics & Molecular Biology Flashcards
6 cards from real CHT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 HLA Genetics & Molecular Biology flashcards as text
Which chromosome carries the HLA gene complex in humans?
Answer: Chromosome 6
The HLA gene complex (MHC) is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 at region 6p21.
Which HLA class II loci are considered the most polymorphic and clinically significant for transplantation?
Answer: HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1
HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 are the most polymorphic class II loci and are routinely typed for solid organ transplantation.
What term describes the tendency of certain HLA alleles to occur together on the same chromosome more often than expected by chance?
Answer: Linkage disequilibrium
Linkage disequilibrium describes the non-random association of alleles at two or more loci on the same chromosome within a population.
HLA molecules are encoded by genes in which genomic region?
Answer: Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
HLA molecules are encoded by genes within the MHC, which spans approximately 4 Mb on chromosome 6p21.
Which feature of HLA class I molecules allows them to present endogenous peptides?
Answer: Peptide-binding groove formed by alpha-1 and alpha-2 domains
HLA class I molecules have a peptide-binding groove formed by the alpha-1 and alpha-2 domains of the heavy chain that accommodates 8–10 amino acid peptides.
What is the inheritance pattern of HLA haplotypes?
Answer: Codominant Mendelian inheritance as a haplotype unit
HLA haplotypes are inherited as a unit from each parent in a codominant Mendelian fashion, so children express alleles from both parents.