Antigens

• What are antigens?

  They are foreign proteins that trigger immune responses.
• How do antigens function in the immune system?

  They help the immune system differentiate between self and foreign invaders.
• Where are antigens typically found?

  On the surface of cells.
• What type of antigens are recognized by the immune system?

  Foreign antigens that are not normally found in the body.
• What are pathogens?

  Organisms that cause disease.
• How do pathogens relate to antigens?

  Pathogens have antigens on their surfaces that trigger immune responses.
• What is the role of the immune system in response to antigens?

  It identifies and responds to foreign antigens.
• What happens when the immune system encounters a foreign antigen?

  It generates an immune response to eliminate the invader.
• What are cancerous cells in relation to antigens?

  Cancerous cells have abnormal antigens on their surfaces.
• How do abnormal body cells trigger immune responses?

  They present abnormal antigens that the immune system recognizes.
• What are toxins?

  They are poisons that can harm the body.
• How do toxins relate to antigens?

  Toxins are molecules that can also trigger immune responses.
• What effect does botulinum toxin have on the body?

  It affects the nervous system, causing paralysis.
• How do the immune responses to antigens differ between normal and abnormal cells?

  Normal cells are ignored, while abnormal cells trigger responses.
• If a new pathogen is introduced into the body, what role do antigens play?

  They help the immune system recognize and respond to the pathogen.
• What are the main functions of antigens in the immune system?

  • Trigger immune responses
  • Help identify pathogens
  • Differentiate between self and non-self
• What are the types of antigens and their sources?

  Types of antigens:

  • Pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi
  • Abnormal body cells: cancerous cells
  • Toxins: poisons produced by organisms
• What are toxins?

  They are poisons.
• What are toxins also classified as?

  They are also molecules, not cells.
• How are some toxins produced?

  They are produced by bacteria.
• Which bacterium produces botulinum toxin?

  Clostridium botulinum
• What effect does botulinum toxin have?

  It affects the nervous system.
• What symptoms does botulism cause?

  It causes symptoms of botulism.
• How does the immune system respond to toxins?

  It can respond to toxins and pathogens.
• What happens when cells are received from another individual?

  They may have different antigens.
• What is the implication of receiving cells from another person?

  They may trigger an immune response.
• What happens if the donor is genetically identical?

  There will be no immune response.
• What do foreign antigens trigger?

  They trigger an immune response.
• What is the consequence of a strong immune response to transplanted organs?

  It leads to rejection of transplanted organs.
• What is crucial for blood transfusions?

  Matching ABO blood group antigens.
• What happens if the recipient's immune system recognizes foreign antigens?

  It generates an immune response.
• What will happen if the donated blood contains antigens not recognized by the recipient?

  It will generate an immune response.
• What is the result of an immune response to mismatched blood transfusions?

  It leads to an immune response.
• What is the consequence of generating an immune response to foreign antigens?

  It can lead to serious complications.
• What is the primary concern with blood transfusions?

  Compatibility of blood types.
• What is the role of antigens in blood transfusions?

  They determine blood type compatibility.
• What happens if incompatible blood is transfused?

  It can cause a severe immune reaction.
• How does the immune system's response to foreign antigens affect blood transfusions?

  It can lead to rejection of transfused blood.