# Explain how the body produces antibodies in response to a pathogen, and describe the role of memory cells if the same pathogen enters the body a second time.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 3.1 Photosynthesis · Explain · 5 marks

> When a pathogen enters the body for the first time, the immune system mounts a specific defence response involving white blood cells.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. White blood cells detect antigens on the surface of the pathogen
2. Lymphocytes release/produce antibodies that are complementary/specific to that antigen
3. Antibodies bind to the antigens on the pathogen to neutralise it / clump pathogens together (agglutination)
4. After the infection, memory cells remain in the body
5. If the same pathogen enters again, memory cells divide rapidly to produce antibodies more quickly, destroying the pathogen before symptoms appear

## Key terms

- [memory cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/memory-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-body-produces-antibodies-fba9cf57) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.