Pathogens and Communicable Diseases Education Presentation PDF

IMMUNE SYSTEM IN PLANTS & ANIMALS G-2 WHAT IS AN IMMUNE SYSTEM? The immune system, in general, recognizes and protects the organism against pathogens, whereby foreign structures and molecules get recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The immune syst...

IMMUNE SYSTEM IN PLANTS & ANIMALS G-2 WHAT IS AN IMMUNE SYSTEM? The immune system, in general, recognizes and protects the organism against pathogens, whereby foreign structures and molecules get recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The immune system consists of two main categories: the innate and adaptive immune systems. The innate immune system is inherited and provides immediate, nonspecific defense against pathogens, while the adaptive immune system is acquired and involves more complex, antigen-specific responses. The immune systems of plants and animals are essential for their survival, helping them combat pathogens and environmental threats. However, these systems differ significantly in complexity and mechanisms.  PATHOGENS These are microorganisms that cause diseases. A disease caused by a pathogen is called a communicable disease, meaning it can spread from one organism to another organism. FOUR MAIN TYPES OF PATHOGENS: Bacteria Fungi Virus Protist PLANTS IMMUNE SYSTEM & MECHANISMS Plants have developed a sophisticated immune system to defend against pathogens, as they cannot move to escape threats. Their immune system primarily consists of innate mechanisms that are activated upon detection of harmful organisms Physical Barriers Waxy Cuticle: A protective outer layer that prevents pathogen entry. Cell Walls: Thick cell walls provide structural support and serve as a barrier against infections. Thorns and Trichomes: Physical structures that deter herbivores and some pathogens Bark: The protective outer covering of a tree or woody plant, primarily composed Chemical of layers of dead cells. Defenses Antimicrobial Compounds: Plants produce various chemical compounds, such as phytoalexins and defensins, that inhibit the growth of pathogens. Secondary Metabolites: Many plants produce toxins (e.g., alkaloids, phenolics) that deter herbivores and protect against infections.  Waxy Thor Cuticle ns Bar Trichom ks es ANIMALS IMMUNE SYSTEM & MECHANISMS -Animals possess a dual immune system consisting of both innate and adaptive immunity: Phagocytic leukocytes are white blood cells that help fight foreign material such as bacteria and viruses, and they are intrinsically involved in the inflammatory reaction. Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) can directly kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and some parasites. They do this by disrupting microbial cell membranes, interfering with intracellular processes, or inhibiting the synthesis of essential molecules. ANIMALS IMMUNE SYSTEM & MECHANISMS Adaptive Immune System (Specific immunity): This system is slower to respond but provides a more specialized and targeted attack against specific pathogens. It has a "memory" that enables the immune system to respond more efficiently to future exposures to the same pathogen B Cells: These cells produce antibodies, which bind to specific antigens (foreign molecules) on the surface of pathogens and neutralize them or mark them for destruction. T Cells: These cells come in two main types: Helper T Cells: Help activate B cells and other immune cells. Cytotoxic T Cells: Target and kill infected cells directly. Memory Cells: Both B and T cells can form memory cells after the first exposure to a pathogen, providing faster responses if the pathogen is Each animal group has adapted its immune system based on its encountered again. environment, life history, and evolutionary pressures. Adaptive Immune System (Specific immunity): This system is slower to respond but provides a more specialized and targeted attack against specific pathogens. It has a "memory" that enables the immune system to respond more efficiently to future exposures to the same pathogen Where can antibodies bind to a specific region of an antigen to target a specific pathogen? Epitopes are small, unique structures on the surface of an antigen, typically composed of specific amino acid sequences or sugar molecules. Each antibody is designed to recognize and bind to a particular epitope, enabling the immune system to target and neutralize specific pathogens, such as bacteriaWhy is it so difficult for the animal immune system to or viruses. fight an HIV infection? The immune system struggles to kill HIV because the virus quickly changes its surface proteins, targets and destroys immune cells (CD4+ T cells), can hide in a dormant state within cells, and employs various methods to evade detection, making it hard for the body to eliminate it.  THINK ABOUT IT! Animals Plants Animals have an adaptive Plants lack adaptive immune system that can immunity but "learn" from previous compensate with What are the key infections, forming memory systemic signals that differences between cells that allow a faster, provide broad-spectrum plants and animlas stronger response upon resistance. IS? subsequent exposures. Thick cell walls, waxy Skin, mucous membranes, cuticle, bark, trichomes fur, scales Plants do not have Have mobile immune cells mobile immune cells. (e.g., macrophages, T cells, B cells) can move to sites of infection.  ROLES OF IMMUNE SYSTEM IN THE SURVIVAL OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS Protection Against Pathogens Prevention of Disease Spread Adaptation and Long-term Immunity Environmental Stress Resistance Tissue Repair and Healing Ecosystem Stability REFERENCES: HTTPS://WWW.BRITANNICA.COM/ANIMAL/ANIMAL HTTPS://WWW.SCRIBD.COM/DOCUMENT/ 551955148/GENERAL-BIOLOGY-II-Q4-WEEK-4 HTTPS://WWW.FRONTIERSIN.ORG/JOURNALS/ IMMUNOLOGY/ARTICLES/10.3389/ FIMMU.2020.612452/FULL#:~:TEXT=BOTH %20PLANTS%20AND%20ANIMALS%20ARE %20ENDOWED%20WITH%20A%20CONSERVED %20INNATE,AND%20ELICITS%20AN%20ADAPTED %20RESPONSE.