WHAT IS LIFE? LAUNCHPAD 12 MO. SUB.
WHAT IS LIFE? LAUNCHPAD 12 MO. SUB.
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781319106348
Author: PHELAN
Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 27, Problem 1SA
Summary Introduction

To review:

The three ways in which the immune system combats pathogens.

Introduction:

The immune system is said to have three lines of defense – physical, non-specific and specific.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

The immune system has levels at which it defends the body against pathogens.

Physical barriers make up the first level of defense, by preventing the pathogens from entering and establishing infection in the body. The skin, hair in the nose and ears, and the mucus membranes are examples of physical barriers. They also secrete some chemicals that stop the growth of pathogens.

Non-specific immunity refers to the immune cells that attack all foreign objects, without specifically attacking one type of pathogen. This type of defense is rapid and is seen in almost all multicellular organisms. This is also called innate immunity since we are born with it.

Specific immunity refers to the cells and molecules that recognize specific pathogens, remember them and attack them strongly when they re-enter the body. This is slow to activate, but offers the best protection once activated. This is also called adaptive immunity.

Conclusion

Physical barriers are the surfaces such as the skin, hair and the mucus membranes, that prevent the entry of pathogens into the body. Non-specific immunity refers to the immune cells that recognize any foreign object and attack it rapidly, without being specific to one pathogen. Specific immunity refers to the immune cells and molecules that recognize and fight off specific pathogens, that the body has been previously exposed to.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Humans consider themselves amazingly clever and innovative, constantly developing "new" ways of altering the world around us. As material consumption has increased, many have turned to the ideas of recycling and reuse as a means to minimize some negative aspects of our modern consumerism. Mother Nature though is the ultimate innovator and, more importantly, the ultimate recycler.
H gene assorts independently from the I gene. Both on autosomes. One man and one woman, both of HhIAIB genotype. Determine the blood type of progeny and fractions out of 16
Alleles at the P locus control seed color. Plants which are pp have white seeds, white flowers and no pigment in vegetative parts. Plants which are P_ have black seeds, purple flowers and may have varying degrees of pigment on stems and leaves. Seed color can be assessed, visually, based on if the seed is white or not white A gene for mold resistance has been reported and we want to determine its inheritance and whether it is linked to P. For the purposes of this exercise, we will assume that resistance is controlled by a single locus M, and M_ plants are resistant and mm plants are susceptible.  Resistance can be measured, under greenhouse conditions, 2 weeks after planting, by injecting each seedling with a spore suspension. After two weeks, the seedlings can be rated as resistant or susceptible, based on whether or not tissue is actively sporulating. For this exercise we will use seed and data from the F10 generation of a recombinant inbred population produced using single seed…
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Intro To Health Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337338295
Author:Mitchell
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Medical Terminology for Health Professions, Spira...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781305634350
Author:Ann Ehrlich, Carol L. Schroeder, Laura Ehrlich, Katrina A. Schroeder
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...
Biology
ISBN:9781285866932
Author:Lauralee Sherwood
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Basic Clinical Laboratory Techniques 6E
Biology
ISBN:9781133893943
Author:ESTRIDGE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning