# Explain why a person who has received a blood transfusion containing antibodies against a particular pathogen will only be protected from that pathogen for a short period of time.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.6.2 The immune system · Explain · 4 marks

> Doctors can treat some infections by giving patients a transfusion of blood plasma containing ready-made antibodies against a specific pathogen. This is called passive immunity.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The antibodies are not produced by the patient's own white blood cells / lymphocytes
2. No memory cells are produced / the immune system has not been stimulated to produce memory cells
3. The antibodies are broken down / destroyed over time
4. So when the pathogen is encountered again, the immune system cannot produce antibodies quickly enough / there is no rapid secondary response

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-person-who-has-2c0e8201) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.