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Coeliac disease in humans is caused when cells of the immune system attack the epithelial cells that line the small intestine - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2010 - Paper 1
Question 7
Coeliac disease in humans is caused when cells of the immune system attack the epithelial cells that line the small intestine. a. What is the general name given to ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Coeliac disease in humans is caused when cells of the immune system attack the epithelial cells that line the small intestine - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2010 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. What is the general name given to this type of disorder?
Answer
The general name given to this type of disorder is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, which in the case of coeliac disease affects the epithelial cells of the small intestine.
Step 2
b. Explain how a macrophage is able to remove and destroy a gluten fragment.
Answer
Macrophages play a critical role in the immune response, specifically in the removal of foreign particles such as gluten fragments. The process can be summarized as follows:
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Engulfing the Gluten Fragment: Macrophages recognize gluten fragments as foreign bodies. They extend their membrane around the gluten fragment, engulfing it in a process known as phagocytosis, forming a vesicle.
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Digestion of the Gluten Fragment: Once inside the macrophage, the gluten fragment is enclosed within a vesicle called a phagosome. This phagosome then fuses with lysosomes containing digestive enzymes. The enzymes digest the gluten fragment into smaller peptides and amino acids. These can then be utilized or excreted by the macrophage.
In summary, macrophages effectively remove and digest gluten fragments, helping to maintain the body's homeostasis.