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Australia is currently experiencing an epidemic of pertussis - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 4
Australia is currently experiencing an epidemic of pertussis. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis (who... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Australia is currently experiencing an epidemic of pertussis - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 4 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
i. Name the cells that are responsible for the production of antibodies.
Answer
The cells responsible for the production of antibodies are B cells (also known as B lymphocytes). These cells are pivotal in the adaptive immune response, producing antibodies that specifically target pathogens.
Step 2
ii. What difference would there be in the children's levels of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis?
Answer
The four-month-old child would have a higher level of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis than the two-month-old child. This is due to the additional time for immune maturation and potentially more exposure to antigens or vaccinations, leading to a greater number of circulating antibodies.
Step 3
What are two advantages of having these memory cells when the student receives their immunisation in Year 10?
Answer
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Immediate Response: Memory cells allow the immune system to mount an immediate and robust response upon re-exposure to the antigens during the Year 10 immunisation.
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Enhanced Antibody Production: The presence of memory cells means that the antibodies would be produced at a faster rate compared to first-time exposure, resulting in a quicker and more effective immune response.
Step 4
Outline a likely reason for the high percentage of adults with pertussis in 2010.
Answer
A likely reason for the high percentage of adults with pertussis in 2010 could be that many adults had their childhood vaccinations completed, but the immunity provided by these vaccines may have waned over time, leading to susceptibility to the disease.
Step 5
Describe one process that could be introduced by the Department of Health, Victoria, to reduce the number of adults being infected with pertussis.
Answer
One effective process would be to implement booster vaccination programs for adults, ensuring that they receive updated vaccines to boost their immunity against pertussis and reduce overall infection rates.
Step 6
Is this test a measure of cell-mediated immunity? Explain your answer.
Answer
No, this test is not a measure of cell-mediated immunity. It measures the level of antibodies in the blood, which is indicative of humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immunity involves T cells and does not rely on antibody production.