6 Non Specific Immue Response

Question 1

Non-specific responses

Answer 1

Information
fever
interferon
phagocytosis

Question 2

Inflammation

Answer 2

Localised infection e.g. cut
Mast cells found in connective tissues in blood cells.
When damaged the cells release histamines.
This causes blood vessels to dilate, especially arterioles, causing heat and redness.
This decreases effectiveness of bacteria reproduction.
Histamines create gaps between cells in capillary walls. Plasma and WBC leak out causing swelling (oedema) and pain.

Question 3

Fever

Answer 3

Fights microorganisms with optimum temp of 37°C
Specific response improves at higher temp
For bacterial infections: fever increases and peaks and stays there until recovered
For viruses: spikes every time a virus lyses cellls
Above 40° viruses are fatal because enzymes are denatured

Question 4

Interferon

Answer 4

Binds to uninfected cell surface, inhibiting viral replication in that cell
Produced in very small quantities by the body but now made on a commercial scale by bacteria (expensive)
Can be used for treating cancers but not a wonder drug like antibiotics

Question 5

Phagocytosis

Answer 5

WBC that digest and engulf pathogens and foreign material. Assemble at sites of infection and create pus when dead
Two types: neutrophil and macrophages (monocyte)

Question 6

Lysosomes

Answer 6

Vesicles filled with digestive enzymes digestive enzymes
1) outer antigens on the pathogen are recognised by phagocytes
2) pathogen is engulfed and contained in phagocytotic vacuole
3) lysosome fuses with vehicle and breaks down pathogen
4) antigens presented on the surface of the cell (activate other immune cells)