Primary Response

• what is the primary response?


  when an antigen enters the body for the first time it activates the immune system. this is called the primary response
• Why is the primary response SLOW?


  Because there aren't many B-cells that can make the antibody needed to bind to it
• is the primary response slow or fast?

  slow
• What will the body do eventually?


  Eventually the body will produce enough of the right antibody to overcome the infection. Meanwhile the infected person will show symptoms of the disease
• What happens after being exposed to an antigen?


  Both T-cells and B-cells produce MEMORY CELLS.

  These memory cells remain in the body for a long time
• What do Memory T-cells do?

  Remember the specific antigen and will recognise it a second time round
• what do Memory B-cells do?


  Record the specific antibodies needed to bind the antigen
• the person is now immune- their immune system has the ability to respond quickly to a second infection