Specific immune system

• Antigens


  All molecules have antigens (proteins) on their surface.

  If antigens are foreign an immune response will be triggered.

  Lymphocytes produce antibodies. If the antibodies have a complementary shape to antigens on the pathogen , they will bind and kill the pathogen.
• Primary response


  the way the body responds when a pathogen enters your body for the first time.
• How does the specific immune system work?


  • pathogen enters body
  • immune response is triggered and lymphocytes divide by mitosis
  • lymphocytes produce antibodies
  • antibodies bind to antigens found on the surface of pathogen
  • lymphocytes become memory lymphocytes
  • this will speed up the secondary response
• Secondary response


  the second time the same pathogen enters the body.
• Describe two differences between primary and secondary response


  1. More antibodies are produced in a secondary immune response.
  2. Lymphocytes take longer to produce antibodies in a primary immune response.