Essentials of Biology (5th International Edition)
Essentials of Biology (5th International Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781259948411
Author: Mader
Publisher: MCG
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Chapter 26, Problem 1BYB
Summary Introduction

To determine:

The response of the body with its first exposure to a new pathogen.

Introduction:

The immune responses exhibited by our body can be classified into the primary immune response and the secondary immune response based on its encounter with the pathogen. The first exposure of the body to a new pathogen is called the primary immune response. On subsequent exposure to the same pathogen, it produces the secondary immune response.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

The primary immune response of the body occurs on its first exposure to a new pathogen. The immune system encounters the threat for the first time and it takes a longer time in the recognition of the pathogen followed by its elimination. It is generally characterized by a lag phase in the beginning. The duration of the lag phase depends on the pathogenicity of the organism.

No antibodies are produced during this phase of the immune response but the activation and differentiation of the B lymphocytes into the plasma cells and memory cells are observed. Later, the differentiated plasma cells produce antibodies in low concentration and overtime, it reaches a peak in the log phase and then declines. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the first produced antibody and the immune response appears in the spleen and lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Though primary immune response is a short-lived immune response, it helps in the secondary immune response due to its immunological memory.

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Immune System and Immune Response Animation; Author: Medical Sciences Animations;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDdbUBXPKc4;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
Immune response: summary; Author: Dr Bhavsar Biology;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADANgHkX4OY;License: Standard Youtube License