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MCAT Biology Lecture: Immune System Video Lecture | Biology and Biochemistry for MCAT

FAQs on MCAT Biology Lecture: Immune System Video Lecture - Biology and Biochemistry for MCAT

1. What are the main components of the immune system?
Ans. The immune system consists of various components that work together to protect the body against pathogens. The primary components include white blood cells (leukocytes), antibodies, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow. Leukocytes can be further categorized into phagocytes (such as macrophages and neutrophils) and lymphocytes (including B cells and T cells), each playing a unique role in immune response.
2. How do vaccines work to enhance immunity?
Ans. Vaccines work by introducing a harmless component of a pathogen, such as an inactivated virus or a piece of its protein, into the body. This exposure stimulates the immune system to recognize the pathogen without causing disease. Consequently, the immune system produces antibodies and memory cells that enable it to respond more effectively if exposed to the actual pathogen in the future.
3. What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?
Ans. Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense and includes physical barriers (like skin), chemical barriers (such as stomach acid), and immune cells that respond quickly to pathogens. It is non-specific and does not provide long-lasting immunity. In contrast, adaptive immunity is a slower, more specific response that develops over time. It involves the activation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies, resulting in long-term memory against specific pathogens.
4. What role do antibodies play in the immune response?
Ans. Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by B cells in response to antigens, which are foreign molecules found on pathogens. They bind to these antigens, neutralizing the pathogen and marking it for destruction by other immune cells. Antibodies can also prevent pathogens from entering cells or help activate the complement system, leading to the lysis of the pathogen.
5. How do autoimmune diseases occur in the context of the immune system?
Ans. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own cells and tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders. This dysfunction can arise from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and infections that alter immune response. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
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