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The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause AIDS - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause AIDS. Which type of cell is destroyed by the HIV virus? A red blood cell B nerve cell C white blood cell D sper... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause AIDS - Edexcel - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which type of cell is destroyed by the HIV virus?
Answer
The type of cell destroyed by the HIV virus is the white blood cell (option C). HIV primarily targets CD4+ T cells, which are a crucial part of the immune system. The virus infects these cells, leading to their destruction and compromising the immune response.
Step 2
Describe how the specific immune system defends the body against disease.
Answer
The specific immune system, also known as the adaptive immune system, defends the body against disease through several key mechanisms:
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Recognition of Antigens: When pathogens enter the body, they carry specific molecules called antigens. The immune system cells, particularly lymphocytes (B and T cells), recognize these antigens through their receptors.
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Activation of Lymphocytes: Upon recognizing an antigen, T cells become activated and can directly attack infected cells, while B cells produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens, marking pathogens for destruction by other immune cells.
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Formation of Memory Cells: After an infection is cleared, some T and B cells become memory cells. These cells persist and ensure a quicker and more robust immune response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen, providing immunity.