SB5j: Immune System Keywords

Question 1

Active

Answer 1

To make active, such as when a lymphocyte is triggered by a pathogen to start dividing rapidly.

Question 2

Antibody

Answer 2

A protein produced by lymphocytes. It attaches to a specific antigen on a microorganism and helps to destroy it.

Question 3

Antigen

Answer 3

A protein on the surface of a cell. White blood cells are able to recognise pathogens because of their antigens.

Question 4

Herd immunity

Answer 4

When the majority of people in a group are immunised, which provides protection to the few who are not by reducing their chance of meeting an infected person.

Question 5

Immune

Answer 5

When a person does not fall ill after infection, because their immune system attacks and destroys the pathogen quickly.

Question 6

Immunisation

Answer 6

Giving a vaccine that causes an immune response without the person becoming ill, and which will make the person immune to the pathogen.

Question 7

Lymphocyte

Answer 7

A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies.

Question 8

Memory lymphocyte

Answer 8

A lymphocyte that remains in the blood for a long time after an infection or vaccination.

Question 9

MMR

Answer 9

Stands for measles, mumps and rubella. The vaccine given to develop immunity to these diseases.

Question 10

Secondary response

Answer 10

A much more rapid, and larger, production of antibodies to a pathogen when it infects the body again.

Question 11

Vaccine

Answer 11

A mixture containing weakened or inactive pathogens, or antigens from the pathogen. When put into the body it causes an immune response.