This key facts covers Key Facts About Adaptive Immunity within Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies for GCSE Biology. Specific immune responses, antibody production, lymphocytes, memory cells It is section 9 of 15 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Key Facts About Adaptive Immunity
- Specific: Each immune response targets one specific antigen shape
- Memory: Faster, stronger response upon re-exposure — the basis of vaccination
- Two types of lymphocyte: B cells make antibodies; T cells coordinate the response and kill infected cells
- Antibodies are proteins: Produced by plasma cells, shaped to fit one antigen
- Antitoxins are antibodies: When the target is a toxin rather than a whole pathogen, antibodies are called antitoxins
- Phagocytes still needed: Antibodies tag pathogens — phagocytes do the actual engulfing and destroying
Practice questions for Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies
What are antigens?
Explain how lymphocytes produce antibodies to destroy a specific pathogen.
Quick recall 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.