Immunity and Lymphocyte Key Terminology Quiz

Vaccine and Antibiotic

• Vaccines are biological preparations made from weakened or fragmented pathogens that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, providing long-lasting protection against specific diseases.
• Antibiotics are medicines derived from living organisms like bacteria or fungi, used to treat infections caused by bacteria or fungi.

Plant Immunity

• Plants have a dual-line defense mechanism against invading microorganisms, consisting of physical barriers and chemical defenses.
• The first line of defense includes physical barriers like the waxy cuticle and bark, alongside chemical defenses like resins and gums produced upon injury.
• Upon infection, plants activate a second line of defense, releasing chemical compounds like salicylic acid to trigger systemic responses and fortify unaffected cells against pathogens.

Animal Immunity

• Animals exhibit both innate and acquired immunity.
• The innate immune system serves as the body's initial defense, comprising physical barriers and non-specific responses like inflammation and fever.
• Acquired immunity, developed following exposure to pathogens, involves specialized responses mediated by lymphocytes and antibodies.

Lymphocytes in Immune Response

• B-lymphocytes recognize antigens and produce antibodies tailored to bind with and neutralize specific pathogens.
• Upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen, B-lymphocytes mount a rapid response, conferring natural immunity.
• T-lymphocytes, including killer T-cells and helper T-cells, play a crucial role in immune responses.
• Killer T-cells target and destroy virus-infected or parasite-infected cells, while helper T-cells initiate and coordinate immune responses.

Phagocytes in Immune Response

• Macrophages, a type of phagocytic cell, play a critical role in identifying and engulfing invading pathogens through phagocytosis.
• Phagocytosis involves the formation of pseudopodia around pathogens, which are then enclosed within vacuoles and digested by lysosomal enzymes.

Vaccinations

• Vaccinations represent a cornerstone of modern medicine, harnessing the body's immune system to confer protection against infectious diseases.
• By administering vaccines containing weakened or fragmented pathogens, the immune system is primed to recognize and respond to future encounters with the same pathogen, establishing long-term immunity.

Immunity

• Immunity is nature's defense mechanism, enabling plants and animals to combat infections and safeguard their well-being.
• The immune system plays a pivotal role in the intricate dance between hosts and pathogens, orchestrating responses to ward off invaders and maintain health.

Lymphocyte and Key Terminology

• Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell found in various tissues like the tonsils, lymph glands, spleen, and bloodstream, acting as sentinels to patrol the body and mount responses against invading pathogens.
• Antigens are complex molecules that trigger immune reactions, and antibodies are specialized proteins designed to neutralize specific invaders.
• Phagocytosis is the process by which cells engulf and digest foreign particles, a crucial aspect of innate immunity.
• Lysosomes are organelles containing digestive enzymes that break down bacterial or viral cell walls.