11.2 AS Level

Antibodies and vaccination

8 flashcards to master this topic

Key Concept Flip

Relate the quaternary structure of an antibody to its function.

Answer Flip

Antibodies have a quaternary structure consisting of four polypeptide chains (two heavy, two light) held together by disulfide bonds. This structure creates antigen-binding sites (variable regions) with specific shapes complementary to particular antigens, enabling targeted binding and immune response.

Key Concept Flip

Outline the key steps of the hybridoma method for monoclonal antibody production.

Answer Flip

1. Expose mouse to specific antigen. 2. Harvest spleen cells (containing antibody-producing B-lymphocytes). 3. Fuse B-lymphocytes with myeloma (cancer) cells to create hybridoma cells. 4. Select and culture hybridoma cells that produce the desired antibody.

Key Concept Flip

Outline how monoclonal antibodies are used in disease diagnosis.

Answer Flip

Monoclonal antibodies, highly specific, can detect presence and quantity of certain antigens in a sample. An example is ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) which tests for specific infections, pregnancy, and allergies.

Key Concept Flip

Outline how monoclonal antibodies are used in disease treatment.

Answer Flip

Monoclonal antibodies can target and bind to specific cells (e.g., cancer cells) or molecules, blocking their function or marking them for destruction by the immune system.

Example: Herceptin binds to HER2 receptors on breast cancer cells.
Definition Flip

What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

Answer Flip

Active immunity involves the body producing its own antibodies in response to antigen exposure (

Example: infection or vaccination). Passive immunity involves receiving antibodies from an external source (. mother to fetus or injection of antibodies).
Definition Flip

What is the difference between natural and artificial immunity?

Answer Flip

Natural immunity is acquired through normal life experiences, like exposure to a pathogen, or from mother to child. Artificial immunity is deliberately induced through medical procedures, such as vaccination or antibody injections.

Key Concept Flip

Explain how vaccines stimulate an immune response.

Answer Flip

Vaccines contain antigens (

Example: weakened or dead pathogens or their components) that trigger a primary immune response without causing disease. This leads to the production of memory cells, providing long-term immunity upon subsequent exposure to the actual pathogen.
Key Concept Flip

Explain how vaccination programmes can control the spread of infectious diseases.

Answer Flip

Vaccination programmes create herd immunity. When a sufficiently high percentage of the population is vaccinated, the spread of the infectious agent is significantly reduced, protecting even those who are not vaccinated.

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