Infection & ResponseVery High Exam FrequencyAQAEdexcelOCRWJEC
Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies
Specific immune responses, antibody production, lymphocytes, memory cells
What you'll cover
- Antigen recognition and specificity
- B lymphocyte antibody production
- T lymphocyte cell-mediated immunity
- Antibody structure and function
- Primary vs secondary immune response
- Memory cells and immunological memory
- Clonal selection and expansion
- Antibody-antigen binding specificity
Study this topic
1Introduction2Deep Dive3Deep Dive4Deep Dive5Deep Dive6Deep Dive7How It Works8Definitions9Key Facts10Misconceptions11Memory Aid12Higher Tier13Exam Focus14Exam Tips15Summary
The Body's Elite Forces
Understanding Antigens
B Lymphocytes and Antibody Production
Antibodies and How They Work
T Lymphocytes
Primary vs Secondary Immune Response
How It Works: Antibodies as a Lock-and-Key System
Key Definitions
Key Facts About Adaptive Immunity
Common Misconceptions
Memory Aids
Higher B Lymphocytes vs T Lymphocytes: Detailed Roles
Exam Focus
Exam Tips: Adaptive Immunity
Knowledge Organiser
Sample Flashcards
What is an antigen?
A protein on the surface of a pathogen (or cell) that the immune system recognises as foreign.
Antigens trigger the body to produce antibodies.
What is an antibody?
A protein produced by lymphocytes (white blood cells) that binds to a specific antigen.
Each antibody has a unique shape that fits one antigen only — like a lock and key.
Sample Questions
What are antigens?
Explain how lymphocytes produce antibodies to destroy a specific pathogen.
20
exam-style questions
25
revision flashcards
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