12 Questions
Which of the following is not a type of pathogen?
Protist
What is the primary function of phagocytosis?
To engulf and destroy pathogens
Which of the following diseases is not considered to be transmissible?
Type 1 diabetes
What is the primary purpose of vaccination?
To provide active immunity against diseases
Which of the following is the main function of white blood cells?
To engulf and destroy pathogens
What is the primary goal of water treatment?
To ensure water quality and prevent contamination by disease-causing bacteria
What is the primary purpose of the chemical barriers in the body's non-specific defense system?
To destroy invading pathogens
Which of the following is the key difference between active immunity and passive immunity?
Active immunity is acquired through infection or vaccination, while passive immunity is acquired through the transfer of antibodies
What is the primary function of memory cells in the immune system?
To produce antibodies in response to specific antigens
Which of the following is the best definition of an antigen?
A unique chemical present on the surface of a cell that induces an immune response
What is the primary function of the mechanical barriers in the body's non-specific defense system?
To physically block the entry of pathogens
Which of the following is the best definition of an autoimmune disease?
A disease in which the immune system targets and destroys its own healthy body cells
Study Notes
Immunity and Diseases
- Active immunity: Resistance developed through production of specific antibodies in response to a pathogen, either by infection or vaccination, providing long-lasting immunity with memory cells.
Antibodies and Antigens
- Antibodies: Proteins produced by white blood cells (lymphocytes) in response to a specific antigen, triggering an immune response, with binding sites complementary to a particular antigen.
- Antigen: A unique chemical present on the surface of a cell that induces an immune response.
Immune System and Diseases
- Autoimmune disease: A disease where the immune system targets and destroys its own healthy body cells, such as type 1 diabetes.
- Transmissible disease: A disease caused by a pathogen that can be spread between hosts, either directly or indirectly.
Defence Mechanisms
- Chemical barrier: A non-specific defence that destroys invading pathogens, e.g., mucus, stomach acid.
- Mechanical barrier: A non-specific defence that physically blocks the entry of a pathogen, e.g., skin, nose hairs.
- Phagocytosis: The process by which white blood cells (phagocytes) engulf and destroy pathogens.
Immunity and Vaccination
- Passive immunity: Resistance acquired via the transfer of antibodies, e.g., from mother to infant through breastfeeding, providing short-term immunity without memory cells.
- Vaccination: The deliberate exposure of an individual to a harmless pathogen to provide active immunity.
Other Key Concepts
- Host: The organism from which a pathogen or parasite obtains nutrients and/or shelter.
- Memory cell: A type of white blood cell that remains in the blood and provides immunological memory to a specific antigen on a pathogen.
- Pathogen: A disease-causing organism, e.g., virus, fungus, bacterium, protist.
- Water treatment: Any process that improves water quality and ensures it is not contaminated by disease-causing bacteria.
Test your knowledge of definitions and concepts related to diseases and immunity in the CAIE Biology IGCSE Topic 10. Includes terms like active immunity, antibodies, and more. Enhance your understanding of diseases and immunity.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
