11.1 Antibody Production and Vaccination

Understandings:

Every organism has unique molecules on the surface of its cells.
B lymphocytes are activated by T lymphocytes in mammals.
Plasma cells secrete antibodies.
Activated B cells multiply to form clones of plasma cells and memory cells.
Antibodies aid the destruction of pathogens.
Immunity depends upon the persistence of memory cells.
Vaccines contain antigens that trigger immunity but do not cause the disease.
Pathogens can be species-specific although others can cross species barriers.
White cells release histamine in response to allergens.
Histamines cause allergic symptoms.
Fusion of a tumor cell with an antibody-producing plasma cell creates a hybridoma cell.

Applications:

Antigens on the surface of red blood cells stimulate antibody production in a person with a different blood group.

Smallpox was the first infectious disease of humans to have been eradicated by vaccination.Monoclonal antibodies to HCG are used to pregnancy test kits.

Skills: