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The diagram shows the concentration of an antibody to a particular pathogen - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 16 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 16
The diagram shows the concentration of an antibody to a particular pathogen. Two students are exposed to the pathogen. Student X had previously been vaccinated agai... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the concentration of an antibody to a particular pathogen - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 16 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which row of the table shows the most likely levels of antibody in the blood of each student a week after exposure to the pathogen?
Answer
To determine the likely levels of antibody in the blood of each student, we need to analyze their histories with the pathogen based on the information provided.
- Student X has been vaccinated, which means that their immune system has already produced antibodies against the pathogen from the initial exposure. Thus, upon re-exposure, the antibody concentration will be significantly elevated due to the rapid response of memory cells.
- Student Y, having never been exposed to the pathogen, would have a much lower antibody level because their immune system has not previously encountered the pathogen and thus has not developed specific antibodies.
Given this information, the correct answer aligns with Option D in the table, which is:
- Concentration of antibody in the blood (g L⁻¹):
- Student X: 1500
- Student Y: 250
Thus, the most likely levels of antibody in the blood of each student are Student X: 1500 g L⁻¹ and Student Y: 250 g L⁻¹.