In Northern Europe, a novel strain of Protoparvovirus has recently been identified in wild European badgers (Meles meles). This group of small, single-stranded DNA viruses was previously restricted to domestic cats and dogs.
Suggest and explain how this Protoparvovirus became able to cross the species barrier to infect badgers.
Name two laboratory techniques scientists may use when analysing viral nucleic acids to establish the evolutionary relationship between the badger parvovirus and known domestic strains.
Determining the complete genome of the badger Protoparvovirus can assist scientists in developing a subunit vaccine. Explain how.
Describe how the B-lymphocytes of a badger would respond to the administration of this subunit vaccine.
You may assume that a badger's B-lymphocytes respond in the same manner as human B-lymphocytes. Do not include details of helper T-cells or the cell-mediated response in your answer.
14 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Biology Cell recognition and the immune system, covering Cell recognition and the immune system. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.