immune system DEFINITELY IN EXAM

Question 1

what are the two main functions of the immune system

Answer 1

• destroy pathogens and any toxins they produce

- protects us in case the same type of pathogen invades our immune system in the future again

Question 2

what are the 3 functions of the white blood cells

Answer 2

• phagocytosis (white blood cells ingest and destroy pathogens)
• lymphocytes may produce antibodies (protein molecules produced by white blood cells) which bind to antigens on the pathogen and trigger the pathogens to be destroyed
• lymphocytes may produce antitoxins which bind to toxins produced by the microbe and prevent them from damaging cells

Question 3

explain the process of phagocytosis

Answer 3

the white blood cell detects chemicals released from the pathogen and moves toward it
the white blood cell then ingests the pathogen
the white blood cell uses enzymes to destroy

Question 4

what are 2 important facts about antibodies

Answer 4

• antibodies are extremely specific (if a person catches measles they will develop antibodies against the measles virus don’t protect against any other pathogen)
• antibodies can remain in the blood for a long time
  (protect us when infected again by the same pathogen)