Immune system Flashcards
Pathogen
An organism that causes disease
Bacteria
small single celled organism with no nucleus (prokaryote)
Examples of bacteria
Lactobacillus bulgaricus- rod shaped bacterium used in production of yogurt
Pneumococcus- spherical bacteria that acts as the pathogen called pneumonis
Fungi
Multicellular- mushrooms, mould and toadstools
Unicellular- yeasts, cannot photosynthesise
Virus
small non-living parasite particles that can only reproduce inside living cells. They have a protein coat and contain one type of nucleic acid, either DNA or RNA
Examples of viruses
Tobacco mosaic virus, influenza and HIV
Protoctist and examples
microscopic single celled organism
Eg Amoeba and Chlorella
Plasmid
Small circular piece of DNA found in bacteria and used in genetic engineering
Flagellum
tail-like structure that enables movement
Lactobacillus
type of bacteria that produces lactic acid
Fermenter
a vessel used to grow microscopic organisms eg in yogurt production
DNA
Composed of sugar, phosphates and four bases
RNA
involved in protein synthesis
Platelets
small fragments of cells that release chemicals to make blood clot
Immune response
mechanism by which the body recognises and deals with
White blood cells
Two types- lymphocytes and phagocytes. They destroy microrganisms
Phagocytes
a type of white blood cell that surrounds, engulfs and digests microrganisms
Lymphocytes
type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. The antibodies cause the pathogens to stick together which makes it easier for phagocytes to engulf
Antibodies
specific protein molecules produced by lymphocytes that bind to antigens on the surface of pathogens
Antigens
Chemical ‘markers’ on the surface of cells and pathogens
Vaccination
Artificially supplying antigens to a person to stimulate an immune response and protect them against disease
Phagocytosis
The process of phagocytes dealing with pathogens. They detect the chemicals released by pathogen, move towards it, ingests it, uses enzymes to destroy it
