B5 - General Knowledge Flashcards
(7 cards)
1
Q
What is an antigen
A
A molecule that is recognised by the immune system and triggers a response
2
Q
What is an antibody
A
A protein produced in response to the presence of a specific antigen
3
Q
What is antigen variability
A
Change in the structure of an antigen on a pathogens surface due to mutation
4
Q
Effect of antigen variability on diseases
A
Body doesn’t recognise the new antigen
Individual can become infected again
5
Q
Effect of antigen variability on disease prevention
A
Vaccines may become ineffective or not work against antigens
New ones need to be produced
Herd immunity harder to achieve
6
Q
The immune system can identify
A
Pathogens
Cells from other humans
Abnormal cells
Toxins
7
Q
What is agglutination
A
Clumping of pathogens to make phagocytosis easier
