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.

LH
Answered by Lexie H. Biology tutor

4492 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

An individual is seated in a darkened room. What would you expect their pupils to look like? A light is shone onto their eyes and a change in their pupils is noted, what change would you expect and why?


Why is it that Gonorrhoea can be treated with an antibiotic, but HIV cannot?


Which best describes the function of a cell membrane? (a) It keeps the cell in shape. (b) It controls the substances entering and leaving the cell. (c) It controls the substances entering the cell. (d) It supports the cell structures.


Explain what phototropism is and why plants might benefit from positive phototropism.


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