11.1 Antibody production and vaccination

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

Every organism has unique molecules on the surface of its cells.
Pathogens can be species-specific although others can cross species barriers.
B lymphocytes are activated by T lymphocytes in mammals.
Activated B cells multiply to form clones of plasma cells and memory cells.
Plasma cells secrete antibodies.
Antibodies aid the destruction of pathogens.
White cells release histamine in response to allergens.
Histamines cause allergic symptoms.
Immunity depends upon the persistence of memory cells.
Vaccines contain antigens that trigger immunity but do not cause the disease.
Fusion of a tumour cell with an antibody-producing plasma cell creates a hybridoma cell.
Monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma cells.

Applications and skills:

Application: Smallpox was the first infectious disease of humans to have been eradicated by vaccination.
Application: Monoclonal antibodies to HCG are used in pregnancy test kits.
Application: Antigens on the surface of red blood cells stimulate antibody production in a person with a different blood group.
Skill: Analysis of epidemiological data related to vaccination programmes.

Outline the ethical implications of Jenner testing his vaccine for smallpox on a child.
Explain the importance of every organism having unique molecules at the surface of its cells.
Explain the activation of B lymphocytes in mammals, and how they form clones of plasma cells and memory cells.
Compare species-specific pathogens to those that can cross barriers.
Outline the relationship between plasma cells and antibodies in the destruction of pathogens.
Outline the relationship between white cells and histamines in allergic responses.
Explain how immunity is achieved in terms of memory cells, as well as how it is triggered by vaccines.
Outline the formation of hybridoma cells.
Outline the production of monoclonal antibodies.
Explain how human vaccines are produced using immune responses of other animals.
Explain how smallpox was eradicate by vaccines.
Outline the use of monoclonal antibodies to HCG in pregnancy test kits.
Explain how antigens on the surface of red blood cells stimulate antibody production in a person with a different blood group.
Explain how you would analyze epidemiological data related to vaccination programs.