When a new antigen is presented to the immune system, an immune response leads to antibodies are released. The second time this happens it is much faster - explain why

In the primary immune response, there is antigen presentation followed by clonal selection, expansion and differentiation of helper t cells. This leads to plasma cells releasing antibodies and the development of memory cells.The number of antibodies produced in the primary immune response is less than in the secondary response and they last in the blood for a shorter amount of timeIn the secondary response, because there are now memory cells, clonal selection and expansion happen much more quickly, meaning antibodies can be released much faster and at a higher concentration

MR
Answered by Maxine R. Biology tutor

3182 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does information from a gene make a protein?


What are the steps contained in action potential production?


Using the Hardy Weinberg principle, calculate the frequency of the heterozygous genotype in the population if the frequency of the dominant allele p is 0.864. Express your answer as a percentage of the population.


Describe the flow of blood in the heart


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning