Chapter 36.6, Problem 1CYL

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason why the immune response to the first exposure to a microbe is relatively slow and responses to future infections by the same microbe are much faster.

Introduction:

The primary response is generated when the body is first exposed to an antigen. It is characterized by IgM and IgE antibodies. The secondary response or memory response is generated when the body is subsequently exposed to the same antigen. In this response antibodies appear in a very high amount. The antibodies generated are primarily IgG and memory B cells.

Summary Introduction

To explain: The role of memory cells in acquired immunity

Introduction:

Adaptive immunity is also called as acquired immune system. It is a selective immunity in which B or T lymphocytes are involved. During the first exposure of antigen, these lymphocytes undergo division which results in the formation of plasma cell and memory cells. The plasma cells contain antibodies that provide immunity against the infection and the memory cells retain the memory of the first exposure of antigen. Due to this, the response of adaptive immunity during the second exposure to same antigen is quick and fast.