Developing immunity

Question 1

How immunity develops

Answer 1

During the body’s first encounter with a pathogen, there will only be a very small number of lymphocytes with the specific receptors for the
antigen.

It then takes time for the cells to divide to form clones; B-cells to secrete antibodies, T-cells to destroy infected cells

If the same pathogen invades again, memory cells give a faster, more effective response (antibody production is much faster)

Question 2

Natural immunity active and passive

Answer 2

An infection is an example of acquiring natural immunity. It is called active as your body needs to work to produce the necessary antibodies

A mother breast feeding her baby is an example of passive immunity. Antibodies are passed to the baby in the milk, so the
immune system doesn’t have to produce them. The milk (colostrum) that is produced for the first few days after birth is particularly rich in antibodies.

Question 3

Artificial immunity: active and passive

Answer 3

Vaccinations

Active immunity: Antigen is injected into the body. This may be in the form of an inactivated bacterial toxin or attenuated (not harmful) virus.

Passive immunity: injection of antibodies or antitoxins

Question 4

Passive immunity continued

Answer 4

Passive immunity doesn’t last as long as active immunity (only weeks
or months):

Lymphocytes are not stimulated to clone themselves

Memory cells are not made

This type of immunity can only last as long as the antibodies/toxins
last in the blood

Question 5

What are the different types of vaccinations

Answer 5

Live attenuated vaccines
Dead/inactivated vaccines
Subunit vaccines
mRNA vaccines

lively dinos savour munch

Question 6

Herd immunity

Answer 6

Approximately 80-85% of the population need to be vaccinated
to stop the spread of the disease.

This provides protection from the disease for individuals that can’t be vaccinated for a particular reason

Question 7

sources of new medical drugs

Answer 7

There is a continual need for new drugs and antibiotics

Thousands of prescription drugs are derived from plant species, many of which are found in tropical rain forests.

For this reason among others, it is important to preserve the rain forest’s biodiversity.