antigens

Question 1

what are antigens?

Answer 1

molecules (usually proteins) that can generate an immune response when detected by the body

Question 2

where are antigens found in cells?

Answer 2

on the surface

Question 3

how & why do our own cells have antigens?

Answer 3

cell membranes contain proteins that act as antigens. These allow the immune system to tell the difference between your own, healthy body cells and foreign invaders

Question 4

what are antigens that aren’t normally found in the body called?

Answer 4

foreign antigens

Question 5

what 3 things can the immune system identify?

Answer 5

pathogens, abnormal body cells, toxins

Question 6

what are pathogens?

Answer 6

organisms that cause disease, eg bacteria. They all have antigens on their surface that are identified as the immune system as foreign

Question 7

what are abnormal body cells?

Answer 7

cancerous or pathogen infected cells which have abnormal antigens on their surface which in turn trigger an immune response

Question 8

what are toxins?

Answer 8

poisons. They are molecules, not cells. Some are produced by bacteria. The toxin itself is the antigen, they don’t have antigens on their surface