9700 · 11.1
The immune system — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9700 The immune system. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
What is the main difference between specific and non-specific immunity for Cambridge 9700 Biology?
Non-specific immunity (innate) provides an immediate, general defence against any pathogen, using physical barriers, chemicals, and phagocytes. Specific immunity (adaptive) is a targeted, slower response that remembers specific pathogens for future encounters, involving lymphocytes and antibodies. Master these concepts with our premium course materials and practice past papers.
How do B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes contribute to immunity in 9700 Biology?
B-lymphocytes are responsible for humoral immunity, maturing into plasma cells that produce antibodies to neutralise pathogens in body fluids. T-lymphocytes are involved in cell-mediated immunity, with cytotoxic T-cells directly killing infected cells and helper T-cells coordinating other immune responses. Dive deeper into their distinct roles with our revision lessons!
Why are vaccinations important for public health according to the Cambridge 9700 syllabus?
Vaccinations induce artificial active immunity by exposing the body to antigens, leading to the formation of memory cells without causing disease. This provides long-term protection and contributes to herd immunity, where a high vaccination rate protects unvaccinated individuals by reducing pathogen transmission. Enhance your understanding with our comprehensive past paper analysis and free course content.