Lesson 3: Defenses
1. Plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have multiple, nonspecific immune responses. Explain how plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have multiple, nonspecific immune responses
In many invertebrates, the exoskeleton is the main source of defense against pathogens and infections, as seen in many insects. If a pathogen is able to get inside of an insect’s body, many internal defenses are seen, such as the natural killer cells and the antimicrobial proteins. Invertebrates such as insects are considered to have a nonspecific response mechanisms because they contain immune cells that carry phagocytosis that will ingest and then digest any foreign substance or bacteria, not specifically catering to a certain type of bacteria.
2. Mammals use specific immune response triggered by natural or artificial agents that disrupt dynamic homeostasis. Describe mammalian specific immune responses.
I. Describe the two types of specific responses in the Mammalian immune system
The humoral immune response includes the activation of B cells which will lead to the creation of antibodies to fight of bacteria.In constrast, the cell-mediated immune responses involves the activaiton of cyotosic T cells which will defend infected cells.
II. In the cell-mediated response, what is the role of cytotoxic T cells?
The cytotoxic T cells will kill infected cells, transplant cells, and even cancer cells when activated
III. In the humoral responses, what is the role of B cells?
In the humoral responses, the B cells become antigen-stimulated which allows for plasma cells to form. An activated B cell allows for thousands of plasma cells to be formed and the cells will begin to produce and secrete antibodies
IV. Explain how antigens and antibodies work together
Antibodies attach to the antigens on the surface of a virus which will neutralize the virus because the virus will no longer be able to bind to a host cell
V. What are the antibodies?
The protein secreted by plasma cells that will bind to a specific antigen. Antibodies consist of two heavy and two light chains, which form a y-shaped monomer.
VI. How does a second exposure to an antigen differ from the primary exposure?
Primary exposure to the antigen will alter its speed, strength and duration, and the primary response is seen after 10 - 17 days of the initial response. If someone is exposed to the same antigen, the response is faster with a response about 2 - 7 days after the exposure and having a greater magnitude than the first exposure.
In many invertebrates, the exoskeleton is the main source of defense against pathogens and infections, as seen in many insects. If a pathogen is able to get inside of an insect’s body, many internal defenses are seen, such as the natural killer cells and the antimicrobial proteins. Invertebrates such as insects are considered to have a nonspecific response mechanisms because they contain immune cells that carry phagocytosis that will ingest and then digest any foreign substance or bacteria, not specifically catering to a certain type of bacteria.
2. Mammals use specific immune response triggered by natural or artificial agents that disrupt dynamic homeostasis. Describe mammalian specific immune responses.
I. Describe the two types of specific responses in the Mammalian immune system
The humoral immune response includes the activation of B cells which will lead to the creation of antibodies to fight of bacteria.In constrast, the cell-mediated immune responses involves the activaiton of cyotosic T cells which will defend infected cells.
II. In the cell-mediated response, what is the role of cytotoxic T cells?
The cytotoxic T cells will kill infected cells, transplant cells, and even cancer cells when activated
III. In the humoral responses, what is the role of B cells?
In the humoral responses, the B cells become antigen-stimulated which allows for plasma cells to form. An activated B cell allows for thousands of plasma cells to be formed and the cells will begin to produce and secrete antibodies
IV. Explain how antigens and antibodies work together
Antibodies attach to the antigens on the surface of a virus which will neutralize the virus because the virus will no longer be able to bind to a host cell
V. What are the antibodies?
The protein secreted by plasma cells that will bind to a specific antigen. Antibodies consist of two heavy and two light chains, which form a y-shaped monomer.
VI. How does a second exposure to an antigen differ from the primary exposure?
Primary exposure to the antigen will alter its speed, strength and duration, and the primary response is seen after 10 - 17 days of the initial response. If someone is exposed to the same antigen, the response is faster with a response about 2 - 7 days after the exposure and having a greater magnitude than the first exposure.