Topic Summaries

The immune system

Previous Module
Next Module

Plant disease and monoclonal antibodies

The brain and the eye

Reproductive hormones and plant hormones

Genetic engineering and modification

Resource cycles and environmental change

  • If pathogens make it past the non-specific defence system and enter the body, the immune system will coordinate a response to destroy them.
  • White blood cells defend against pathogens by:
    • Phagocytosis:

    • Antibodies: are specific to each antigen and bind to the antigens of multiple pathogens to clump them together for phagocytosis.
    • Antibody production: lymphocytes detect foreign antigens (proteins on surface of cells) on pathogens and respond by producing antibodies.
    • If infected by the same pathogen again, memory lymphocytes recognise the antigens and produce a larger number of specific antibodies faster.
    • Antitoxin production: lymphocytes form a special antibody called antitoxins, which bind to and neutralise harmful toxins produced by the pathogen.

Unlock The immune system

Subscribe to SnapRevise+ to get immediate access to the rest of this resource.

Premium accounts get immediate access to this resource.

Previous Module
Next Module