Human Immune System B6

Question 1

What are examples of non-specific defences?

Answer 1

Skin, acts as a barrier to pathogens. Eyes produce an enzyme called lysozyme in tears which break down bacteria on the surface of the eye. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid which kills pathogens.

Question 2

What is the name of white blood cells that engulf and destroy microbes?

Answer 2

Phagocytes

Question 3

What is the name of the white blood cell which produces antibodies that respond to specific antigens on the surface of pathogens?

Answer 3

Lymphocytes.

Question 4

What are antibodies?

Answer 4

Antibodies are proteins produced by a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Antibodies bind to specific antigens and help phagocytes find the pathogens so that they can engulf them.

Question 5

What are antigens?

Answer 5

Antigens are proteins on the surface of pathogens.

Question 6

What are memory lymphocytes/ memory cells?

Answer 6

Memory cells stay around in the blood after pathogens have been fought off and if the person is infected with the same pathogen again, the white blood cells will rapidly produce antibodies to help destroy it.