Unit 2 Immunity

Question 1

What types of molecules can stimulate an immune response

Answer 1

-Pathogens
-Cells from other organisms of the same species (e.g. organ transplants)
-Abnormal body cells (e.g. cancer cells)
-Toxins

Question 2

Definition of antigen

Answer 2

A foreign protein/molecule on the surface of cells that stimulates an immune response, such as the production of antibodies

Question 3

What is a pathogen

Answer 3

Any microorganism which causes disease
e.g. virus, bacteria, protists, fungi

Question 4

What causes antigen variability

Answer 4

Some pathogens can change their surface proteins as their DNA mutates

This changes the tertiary structure of the surface antigens/proteins