What is the difference between the primary and secondary immune responses? (May be asked in the form of how to interpret a commonly used graph on the subject)

In a primary immune response the active immune system must first recognise the pathogen via B-lymphocyte cells with antibodies on their surface that are complementary to the antigens of the invading pathogen (clonal selection), this can occur via an antigen directly binding to the B-lymphocyte receptor or a T-lymphocyte activating it. Once this occurs the B-lymphocyte divides (clonal expansion) and then differentiates into a plasma cell that produces antibodies at a high rate. This process takes a few days.
In a secondary immune response (reinfection) many complementary B-memory cells left over from the primary response are already in the bloodstream and rapidly recognise the pathogen. They divide and differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies at a rapid rate quickly killing the pathogen. Thus, the end result is that pathogen levels decrease faster in the secondary immune response and antibody levels rise faster and higher (explain this via drawing out a graph).

Answered by Biology tutor

4067 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of a cardiac cycle.


What causes the heart to contract?


What is semi-conservative replication?


How can one remember the function and the anatomy of the cardiac valves?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning