(T4.3, L6) Defence against disease

Question 1

Where can microbes enter your body? (6)

Answer 1

1. Eyes
2. Ears
3. Genitals
4. Cuts/open wounds
5. Mouth
6. Nose

Question 2

What are the 4 ways your body defends against pathogens?

Answer 2

1. The skin acts as a barrier.
2. Hairs and mucus in the nose trap particles.
3. Trachea/ bronchi have cilia which waft and move mucus towards the throat to trap pathogens.
4. The stomach has HCL which kills pathogens which enter through the mouth.

Question 3

What are the 3 ways white blood cells defend against pathogens?

Answer 3

1. Phagocytosis- WBC engulf and digest pathogens.
2. Produce antitoxins to neutralise toxins created by the pathogens.
3. Produce antibodies which lock onto the antigen on the surface of the pathogen and destroy the pathogen.

Question 4

Antibodies are…

Answer 4

Specific to one antigen and will only work on that pathogen.

Question 5

What is immunological memory? (2)

Answer 5

The ability of the immune system to respond more rapidly and effectively if exposed to the exact same pathogen again. If the antigen is even slightly different, new antibodies need to be made.