Immune system

Question 1

White blood cells

Answer 1

White blood cells can ingest and destroy pathogens
The white blood cells detects chemicals released from the pathogen and moves towards it
The white blood cells then ingest the pathogens
The white blood cell uses enzymes to destroy the pathogens
This whole process is called phagocytosis

Question 2

Antibodies

Answer 2

Antibodies are protein molecules produces by white blood cells
The antibodies stick to the pathogens
This triggers the pathogens to be destroyed
Antibodies are extremely specific (if a person catches measles, they will develop antibodies against the measles virus, those antibodies will only protect against measles)
Antibodies can remain in the blood for a long time
This means they can protect us incase we ever get infected again with the same pathogen

Question 3

Antitoxins

Answer 3

Certain types of bacteria release toxins which are chemicals that make us feel unwell
White blood cells can produce chemicals called antitoxins
Antitoxins stick to toxin molecules and prevent them from damaging cells