Blood Flashcards
What is the purpose of blood clotting after a skin wound?
Blood clotting stops the loss of blood and prevents the entry of microorganisms into the body. This reduces the damage to the body and the chance of becoming ill.
What can vaccination involve?
Vaccination can involve injecting a dead or inactive form of the pathogen to stimulate immunity. Antigens or toxins from the pathogen may also be used.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are soluble proteins, released by lymphocytes, that attach to specific antigens. This can lead to the destruction of the pathogen.
What is the role of the phagocytes in the immune system?
Phagocytes ingest and destroy harmful pathogens.
How are human red blood cells adapted to their function?
Human red blood cells have no nucleus, which lets them contain more haemoglobin to carry oxygen.
Why do large multi cellular organisms need transport systems while simple unicellular organisms do not?
Large multicellular organisms have a much smaller surface area to volume ratio compared to smaller organisms. This means they need specialised exchange surfaces and transport systems.
How is carbon dioxide transported in the blood?
Carbon dioxide is transported dissolved in the blood plasma. Urea, hormones and digested food are also transported in the plasma.
What type of cell are phagocytes?
Phagocytes are a type of white blood cell.
What is the role of the phagocytes in the immune system?
Phagocytes ingest and destroy harmful pathogens.
