Responses of the human immune system to specific pathogens
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe parts of the human immune system and how they respond to specific pathogens.
Key learning points
- All cells, including our body cells and pathogens, have molecules called antigens on their surface.
- White blood cells only respond to non-self antigens on pathogens.
- Lymphocytes are an important part of the human immune system and respond to antigens on specific pathogens.
- Lymphocytes produce antibodies against specific pathogens.
- Lymphocytes produce antitoxins to neutralise toxins produced by bacteria.
Keywords
Antigen - A molecule on the surface of a pathogen or other cell.
White blood cell - A type of cell in the blood that is part of the immune system and responds to pathogens.
Lymphocyte - A type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system and responds to specific pathogens.
Antibodies - Proteins produced by white blood cells against specific pathogens.
Antitoxins - Produced by white blood cells to neutralise toxins.
Common misconception
Mixing up scientific terms such as antigen and antibody.
The lesson explores the relationship and differences between antigens, antibodies and antitoxins.
Teacher tip
Ask the students to say the words starting with anti- out loud when you are teaching so they can learn the difference.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A microorganism that causes disease is called a ...
Q2.The human body has defences against pathogens. The skin is an example of a defence.
Q3.Tears are a chemical defence against pathogens. They contain __________ that break down pathogens.
Q4.Which of these are part of the immune system?
Q5.Match each part of the blood to its function.
To transport waste products and hormones.
To stick together to heal wounds.
To engulf and digest pathogens.
To transport oxygen.
Q6. is the process of a white blood cell engulfing and digesting a pathogen.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.All cells, including our body cells and pathogens, have molecules on their surface called ...
Q2.True or false? Antitoxins neutralise toxins.
Q3.White blood cells called lymphocytes release proteins called that cause pathogens to clump together.
Q4.Antibodies cause pathogens to clump together so they can be engulfed and digested by a ...
Q5.True or false? Lymphocytes are part of the non-specific response to pathogens.
Q6.Who is correct?
To help you plan your 11 biology lesson on: Responses of the human immune system to specific pathogens, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 biology lesson on: Responses of the human immune system to specific pathogens, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Defences against pathogens, the human immune system and vaccination unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.