How does an adult develop immunity to a toxin (3 marks)

They must first become exposed to the bacteria or pathogen that produces the toxin. This will either be though encountering it naturally or through a vaccination. Once the pathogen has entered their body their immune response will be stimulated. The two types of white blood cells - phagocytes and lymphocytes will be secreted. Lymphocytes secrete antibodies which bind to the specific antigens on the surface of the pathogen. The phagocytes can then engulf and destroy the pathogen. Some lymphocytes will remain in the blood as memory cells which can produce the specific antibody whenever that pathogen enters the body again, fighting it off quicker than before, and therefore becoming immune.

Answered by Lexie H. Biology tutor

3289 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?


A plant is moving mineral ions from the soil into its roots by the process of active transport. Does this suggest that the concentration of ions is higher in the soil or the roots?


Describe the key features of a velocity-time graph?


What are the products of respiration?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences