Immunity Flashcards
Name the two main types of WBCs
Lymphocytes and phagocytes
What is a disease?
A condition that prevents the body or part of it working properly
What act as physical barriers to prevent microorganisms from entering?
The skin and membranes of the body
Explain phagocytosis
The process in which the phagocyte engulfs and digests the pathogen
Explain what happens after phagocytosis
- lysozymes containing enzymes move towards pathogen
- enzymes break down pathogen
- useful materials are absorbed
- waste products are removed from phagocyte
What do lymphocytes produce?
Y-shaped proteins called antibodies
What do antibodies attach to?
Structures on the pathogen called antigens
Which type of WBC allows organisms to build up an immunity towards certain diseases?
Lymphocytes
Explain the first 4 steps when a lymphocyte encounters a pathogen
- lymphocyte detects pathogen
- lymphocyte releases different types of antibodies
- correct antibody connects to antigen
- lymphocyte releases large number of correct antibody
Explain the last 2 steps when a lymphocyte encounters a pathogen
- antibodies trigger phagocytes
- Lymphocytes produce cells that produce that same antibody very quickly called memory cells
How long do memory cells last?
They can remain in our circulatory system for a lifetime
How do memory cells help us gain immunity?
memory cells react to pathogen quickly + produce antibodies much earlier than the first time - prevents us being infected twice
What is a vaccine made of?
Dead pathogen or part of the pathogens cell surface
How do vaccines either the bloodstream?
Normally by injection
How does vaccination help us gain immunity?
Lymphocytes produce antibodies against pathogen + make memory cells.
