Biology: The Immune System and Disease

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of vaccines?

To directly kill pathogens in the body

To stimulate muscle growth

To eliminate toxins completely

To enhance the body's ability to fight disease (correct)

HIV can strengthen the immune system.

False

What are the main immune cells that fight infections in the body?

White blood cells

When cells divide uncontrollably due to mutations, it can lead to _____ disease.

cancer Signup and view all the answers

Match the immune response components with their functions:

White blood cells = Engulf pathogens Antibodies = Mark pathogens for destruction Memory cells = Fight repeat infections Vaccines = Strengthen the immune system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a pathogen?

Healthy cells Signup and view all the answers

The primary function of antibodies is to destroy pathogens by themselves.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of T cells in the immune response?

T cells identify and destroy infected host cells and help activate other immune cells. Signup and view all the answers

________ are proteins on the surface of cells that activate immune response.

Antigens Signup and view all the answers

Match the types of white blood cells with their primary function:

Monocytes = Engulf and destroy pathogens B Cells = Produce antibodies Helper T Cells = Activate other immune cells Killer T Cells = Destroy infected cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of immunity is initiated by exposure to a pathogen?

Adaptive Immunity Signup and view all the answers

Vaccines work by introducing a strong form of pathogens to generate an immune response.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of memory cells in the immune system?

Memory cells provide a quick immune response upon re-exposure to the same antigen. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of allergies, the immune system creates a response to ________ that are usually harmless.

allergens Signup and view all the answers

Which immune response involves the production of antibodies?

Humeral Immunity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Immune System

The immune system protects the body against disease.
It is vital for maintaining homeostasis.
It responds to foreign substances.

What is Disease?

Disease is the disruption of homeostasis.
Pathogens (disease-causing organisms) can cause disease.
Failure to respond to homeostasis disruption can lead to disease and potentially death.

Homeostasis

An organism's environment is dynamic.
Homeostasis is the way biological systems maintain stability.
This involves self-regulation of processes, for example, temperature and blood sugar levels.
Failure to respond to changes disrupts homeostasis.

What Causes Disease?

Pathogens are disease-causing organisms.
Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites.
Cancer is a special case of disease where cells replicate uncontrollably, avoiding normal cell death.

What is the function of the Immune System?

To protect the body from disease.
Crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
Activated when foreign substances enter the body.

How Does the Immune System Work?

Innate Immunity: Non-specific immune response. Includes physical barriers (skin, saliva, mucous, stomach acid) and other cells, fever, and inflammation.
Adaptive Immunity: Highly specific immune response. Uses antibodies and antigen-binding cells (leukocytes). Includes highly specific antibodies and antigen binding cells, and makes use of leukocytes (white blood cells) and antibodies.

Antibodies

Y-shaped proteins created by white blood cells (WBCs).
Bind to antigens, assisting in immune functions.

Antigens

Proteins on the surface of cells.
Trigger an immune response when bound to immune cells.
Antigens have epitopes (antigenic determinants) that bind to antibodies.

Types of White Blood Cells

Monocytes (Macrophages): Aid in both innate and adaptive immunity. Engulf and destroy pathogens, and recruit other WBCs.
Leukocytes (T and B cells): Function in the adaptive immune response.

Helper T Cells

Activate other white blood cells.
Respond to antigens presented on macrophages.
Activate killer T cells and B cells.

Killer (Cytotoxic) T Cells

Activated by helper T cells.
Destroy pathogens and infected host cells.
Use chemicals to destroy targeted cells.

B Cells

Activated by helper T cells.
Differentiate into memory B cells and plasma cells.
Memory B cells retain antigen information.
Plasma cells produce antibodies.

Memory Cells

Remain after infection for rapid response to future same antigen exposure.
Create antibodies and bind to antigens, protecting against pathogens.

Cell-Mediated Immunity

T cells identify and destroy pathogens and infected host cells.
Helper T cells activate other immune cells.
Cytotoxic T cells directly kill infected cells.

Antibody-Mediated Immunity

Antibodies are produced by B cells.
Antibodies target specific antigens.
This immunity is very specific.

Vaccines

Weakened or inactive pathogens are introduced to body to initiate immune response.
Adaptive immunity is used, allowing memory cells to effectively prevent future infection.
Risk from disease and infection with weakened pathogen is significantly lowered.

Issues with Immune Response

Allergies: Body reacts to allergens excessively.
Autoimmune Diseases: Immune system attacks the body's own tissues.
Organ Transplant Rejection: The immune system recognizes transplanted organs as foreign and attacks them.

Weakened Immune Systems

Stress, fatigue, and other diseases can weaken the immune system.
HIV attacks and weakens immune cells, leading to AIDS.

Key Takeaways

Disease is a disruption of homeostasis.
The immune system fights pathogens.
Vaccines strengthen the immune system.
White blood cells have various functions, including targeting pathogens.
Issues can arise when the immune system is weakened, or is misdirected.
Cancer results from unregulated cell division.

Questions

Vaccine function and mechanism
Types of cells aiding immunity
Uncontrolled cell division implications
Diagnostic molecule at increased levels in infections
How immune cells bind to elicit an immune response.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to the immune system, disease, and homeostasis. It explores how the immune system protects the body, the nature of diseases caused by pathogens, and the importance of maintaining homeostasis in biological systems. Test your knowledge on these fundamental biology topics!