Lesson 16: Immunity Flashcards
What ways does our body protect us from infection?
- ) Ingest/ destroy pathogens -> phagocytosis
- ) Release antitoxins
- ) Release antibodies
Explain phagocytosis.
- Pathogen is destroyed by being ingested.
- Enzymes released to break down pathogen.
- Any waste material is released from the cell.
Explain antitoxins.
- Antitoxins produced by white blood cells.
- Toxins are released by bacteria
- Antitoxins are specific to bacteria and bind to them.
- Toxins are neutralised.
Explain antibodies.
- Antibodies are triggered by antigens on pathogens.
- The antibody is specific to the antigen.
- Antibodies cause pathogens to clump together -> make phagocytosis easier.
What is an antigen?
An antigen is a protein on the surface of a pathogen that triggers the immune system.
What are memory cells?
Memory cells remember certain antibodies for certain pathogens and allows the immune system to respond quickly.
What is the primary immune response?
First time pathogen infects the body.
Takes a couple of days till antibody is released
What is lag time?
When the pathogen enters for the first time, it takes a couple of days till any antibody is released. This is known as lag time.
What is the secondary immune response?
Second time pathogen infects body.
Response is faster, number of antobodies produced is larger as memory cells remember antibody released specific to the antigen.
What does “immunity” mean?
Immunity is when a pathogen is destroyed without any symptons as white blood cells release more antibodies, quicker.
Give an example of immunity being transferred.
- Immunity is passed from mother to child by breast milk.
- The breast milk contains antibodies.
What are phagocytes?
Phagocytes are white blood cells that engulf pathogens. This process is called phagocytosis.
Why are phagocytes non-specific?
Phagocytes are non-specific because they engulf all pathogens in the same way.
What are lymphocytes?
Lymphocytes are white blood cells which recognise antigens on pathogens and produce specific antibodies for specific antigens. Along with antitoxins.
Antibodies cause pathogens to stick together so that phagocytosis is a lot easier
What do lymphocytes produce to neutralize toxins?
Lymphocytes produce antitoxins to neutralise toxins.
