User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2018 Marks available 8 Reference code 18M.2.HL.TZ2.7
Level Higher level Paper Paper 2 Time zone Time zone 2
Command term Explain Question number 7 Adapted from N/A

Question

Although simple in structure, bacteria as a group show a wide range of diversity.

Explain the production and role of antibodies in defense against bacterial pathogens in humans.

Markscheme

a. specific immune response/antibody production as a consequence of the presence of bacterial antigens 

b. macrophage / phagocyte ingests bacterial pathogen displaying bacterial antigens on surface 

c. attached to major histocompatibility/MHC molecules 

d. helper T cell activated by presentation of antigen on surface of macrophage 

e. activated helper T cell binds to B cell specific to the antigen 

f. stimulated B cell undergoes repeated mitotic/cell divisions 

g. «cells enlarge and differentiate» to form clone of plasma cells 

h. plasma cells produce specific antibodies 

i. antibodies bind to bacteria making them easier to digest by white cells
OR
opsonization
OR
agglutination 

j. (some antibodies combined with antigen) activate a complement cascade to kill bacteria directly 
OWTTE.

k. some antibodies act as antitoxins / neutralize toxins / change chemical structure of toxins 

l. once begun, antibody production lasts for several days until all antigens destroyed 

m. memory cells remain in blood giving extended immunity 

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Additional higher level » Topic 11: Animal physiology » 11.1 Antibody production and vaccination
Show 31 related questions
Additional higher level » Topic 11: Animal physiology
Additional higher level

View options