Exam questions

Question 1

What is an antigen? (2)

Answer 1

A foreign protein on the surface/ membrane of a cell which triggers an immune response

Question 2

What is a monoclonal antibody (2)?

Answer 2

A clone of a specific antibody which has a complimentary shape with a particular disease. Hybrid cells from a tumour fuse with B lymphocytes to produce hybridoma cells, and they trigger antibody response.

Question 3

Three injections are given for the HPV vaccination, use your knowledge of immunity to suggest why. (3)

Answer 3

The first vaccination means antibodies can be produced, however these antibodies will decrease over time. The second vaccination acts as a secondary immune response making the body produce more antibodies much faster. The third vaccine repeats this process making sure memory cells have been made in the bloodstream.

Question 4

Give two ways in which a pathogen may cause disease? (2)

Answer 4

Invade cells damaging the host, secreting harmful toxins