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a. Briefly explain the role that each of the following have in the immune response to infection - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 2
a. Briefly explain the role that each of the following have in the immune response to infection. i. Phagocytes Phagocytes are a type of lymphocyte which are able t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:a. Briefly explain the role that each of the following have in the immune response to infection - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
i. Phagocytes
Answer
Phagocytes are essential components of the immune response. They are specialized types of white blood cells that:
- Recognize: They can identify foreign particles such as bacteria and viruses.
- Engulf: Once recognized, they engulf (or ingest) the pathogens through a process called phagocytosis.
- Destroy: After ingestion, they destroy the pathogens using enzymes, thus protecting the body from infections.
- Trigger Immune Response: Additionally, they can form an antigen-antibody complex that helps to alert and activate other immune cells, enhancing the overall immune response.
Step 2
ii. Complement proteins
Answer
Complement proteins are crucial for enhancing the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens. Their roles include:
- Attachment to Microorganisms: They bind to the surface of invading microorganisms, marking them for destruction.
- Assist Phagocytosis: By tagging pathogens, complement proteins make it easier for phagocytes to ingest these invaders.
- Lysis of Pathogen Membranes: They can directly lyse (burst) the cell membranes of pathogens, leading to their destruction.
- Promotion of Inflammation: Complement proteins also promote inflammation, attracting more immune cells to the site of infection and enhancing the immune response.
Step 3
Step 4
ii. Explain the choice you made in part b.i.
Answer
Cell R likely presents the highest number of non-self antigens that cell X can recognize. The greater the diversity and quantity of non-self antigens on a target cell, the stronger the immune response will be from cell X. Immune cells are designed to detect and respond vigorously to non-self antigens, which indicates a potential threat to the body.