Antigenetic Variation

Question 1

What is antigenic variation?

Answer 1

When pathogens change their surface antigens due to changes in the genes of a pathogen

Question 2

Explain the consequences of antigenic variation

Answer 2

means that immunity is hard to maintain as the antigens are constantly varying. The variation of the antigens mean that the B and T memory cells don’t recognise the pathogen and thus a primary response is initiated rather than a secondary response which means the body takes longer to respond.

Question 3

Which two pathogens are known to show antigenic variation?

Answer 3

HIV and influenza