Define specific defence mechanism, Science

Assignment Help:

Define Specific Defence Mechanism

In the section on white blood cells, we learnt that whenever a germ or infection enters our body, the WBCs snap to attention and destroy the culprit. How does a white blood cell know what to attack and what to leave alone? Why doesn't a white blood cell attack every cell in the body? The answer to these questions lies in the discussion below.

The specific defence mechanism provides protection against specific foreign materials. The important characteristic is that its cells (lymphocytes) have an ability to recognize body's own cells and macro molecules (self) from those which are foreign invaders (non self ). It tolerates the 'self' but destroys the 'non self'. The lymphocytes bearing receptor is specific for self i.e. molecules already present in the body, are either made non-functional or destroyed by programmed cell-death known as apoptosis. The lymphocytes that react to non self i.e. foreign molecules are left to function in immune responses.

So, you realize that there is a system built into all of the cells in our body that marks the cells in our body as "self '. Anything that the immune system finds that does not have these markings (or that has the wrong markings) is definitely "not self" and is therefore a fair game. This system is called the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).


Related Discussions:- Define specific defence mechanism

Define age related changes in cardiovascular system, Define age related cha...

Define age related changes in Cardiovascular system There is a decrease in elasticity of the aorta and other large arteries as age increases. Thickness of blood vessels increas

#titleAI, I need to write a research paper on AI

I need to write a research paper on AI

Fermentation, what are details on fermentation technology?

what are details on fermentation technology?

Radiation, Radiation: High doses of radiation are very harmful for huma...

Radiation: High doses of radiation are very harmful for human health. Do you know about the disaster ceated by  the first atomic bombs which were exploded on two cities of Japa

An experiment with a floating candle, An experiment with a floating candle ...

An experiment with a floating candle Put a nail in the lower end of a candle. The nail should be just the right weight to make the candle float with its top a little above the

Zoology, characters of chordates

characters of chordates

Food as fuel for the body machine, Food as fuel for the body machine: B...

Food as fuel for the body machine: Body requires food for internal as well as external activities and for growth. Another way of  looking at this is that the body requires ener

Risk assessment on the use of malathion, How would I give a presentation to...

How would I give a presentation to the public on the use of Malathion as a means to control mosquitos

Coping stress, Ask question #Minimum 100 words acceptedYou are caring for a...

Ask question #Minimum 100 words acceptedYou are caring for a 29-year-old woman who is married with two small children, ages 1 and 3 years, at home. She is recuperating from a left

Zoology, how to prevent skin problems?

how to prevent skin problems?

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd