Back to AI Flashcard MakerBiology /Biology IB HL - 11.1 Antibody Production Part 1
What does it mean if the immune system can differentiate between self and non-self?
The immune system has the capacity to distinguish between body cells (‘self’) and foreign materials (‘non-self’)
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/25
Key Terms
Term
Definition
What does it mean if the immune system can differentiate between self and non-self?
The immune system has the capacity to distinguish between body cells (‘self’) and foreign materials (‘non-self’)
What does the immune system attack? self or non-self?
non-self; It will react to the presence of foreign materials with an immune response that eliminates the intruding material from the body
What identifies cells as “self”?
All nucleated cells of the body possess unique and distinctive surface molecules that identify it as self
What are self markers called?
These self markers are called major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC class I) and function as identification tags
Will the immune system react to self markers?
no; The immune system will not normally react to cells bearing these genetically determined markers (self-tolerance)
What can be categorised, as non-self?
Any substance that is recognised as foreign and is capable of triggering an immune response is called an antigen (non self)
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What does it mean if the immune system can differentiate between self and non-self? | The immune system has the capacity to distinguish between body cells (‘self’) and foreign materials (‘non-self’) |
What does the immune system attack? self or non-self? | non-self; It will react to the presence of foreign materials with an immune response that eliminates the intruding material from the body |
What identifies cells as “self”? | All nucleated cells of the body possess unique and distinctive surface molecules that identify it as self |
What are self markers called? | These self markers are called major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC class I) and function as identification tags |
Will the immune system react to self markers? | no; The immune system will not normally react to cells bearing these genetically determined markers (self-tolerance) |
What can be categorised, as non-self? | Any substance that is recognised as foreign and is capable of triggering an immune response is called an antigen (non self) |
What recognises antigens and what do they do? | Antigens are recognised by lymphocytes which bind to and detect the characteristic shape of an exposed portion (epitope) |
What do lymphocytes trigger? | Lymphocytes trigger antibody production (adaptive immunity) which specifically bind to epitopes via complementary paratopes |
What are 3 antigenic determinants? | Surface markers present on foreign bodies in the blood and tissue – including bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic markers; The self markers of cells from a different organism (this is why transplantation often results in graft rejection); Even proteins from food may be rejected unless they are first broken down into component parts by the digestive system |
Where are self-markers present? | Self markers (MHC class I) are present on the surface of all nucleated body cells and identify the cell as part of the organism |
Do all organisms have the same self markers? | no; Different organisms have distinct self markers which prevent transplantation of tissues (unless a very close genetic match) |
Do RBC have self markers, why? | they do not - Red blood cells are not nucleated and hence do not possess the same distinctive and unique self markers as all other body cells |
Due to RBC not being nucleated, what can be done to blood cells? | This means that red blood cells can be transferred between individuals without automatically causing immune rejection |
Despite not having self markers, what may they contain? | However, red blood cells do possess basic antigenic markers which limit the capacity for transfusion (the ABO blood system) |
What type of antigenic markers may red blood cells possess? | Red blood cells may possess surface glycoproteins (A and B antigens) either independently (A or B) or in combination (AB) |
Can red blood cells have no surface glycoproteins? | yes; Alternatively, red blood cells may possess neither surface glycoprotein (denoted as O) |
Why are blood transfusions not compatible between blood groups? | As humans produce antibodies against foreign antigens, blood transfusions are not compatible between certain blood groups |
What blood groups can AB blood RECEIVE transfusions from? | AB blood groups can receive blood from any other type (as they already possess both antigenic variants on their cells) |
What blood groups can A blood NOT RECEIVE transfusions from? | A blood groups cannot receive B blood or AB blood (as the B isoantigen is foreign and will stimulate antibody production) |
What blood groups can B blood NOT RECEIVE transfusions from? | B blood groups cannot receive A blood or AB blood (as the A isoantigen is foreign and will stimulate antibody production) |
What blood groups can O blood RECEIVE transfusions from? | O blood groups can only receive transfusions from other O blood donor (both antigenic variants are foreign) |
What results in positive or negative blood groups? | An additional glycoprotein (Rhesus factor) is either present or absent, resulting in positive and negative blood groups |
What is a pathogen? | A pathogen is an agent that causes disease – either a microorganism (bacteria, protist, fungi or parasite), virus or prion |
What is a disease? | A disease is any condition that disturbs the normal functioning of the body (i.e. the body can no longer maintain homeostasis) |
What is an illness? | An illness is a deterioration in the normal state of health of an organism (a disease may cause an illness) |