Immunity and Antigen Variability

Question 1

How do lymphocytes distinguish self and non-self cells ?

Answer 1

Antigens on surface of cells
Unique tertiary 3D structure

Question 2

What non-self cells stimulate an immune response ?

Answer 2

Pathogens
Foreign cells/cells from a transplant organ
Tumour/Cancer cells
Toxins

Question 3

Describe and explain how lymphocytes are produced to not attack self - cells

Answer 3

Lymphocytes complementary to self-cell antigens will die or have their production suppressed
Preventing lymphocytes from attacking self cell
Leaving only lymphocytes that are complementary in shape to antigens on non-self cells
In bone marrow, lymphocytes complementary to self-cell antigens are destroyed

Question 4

Describe and explain the process of ‘ Antigen Variability ‘

Answer 4

Mutation in gene coding for antigen
Antigen tertiary 3D structure changes
Renders memory cells useless - all remember the old antigen shape