BRAINCAKERecognising Self and Non-Self Cells
Lymphocytes are able to distinguish which cells are the body's own cells (self) and which cells are foreign (non-self) in order to destroy pathogens without destroying the body's own cells.
Antigens are proteins and glycoproteins on the cell surface. Each type of cell has its own assortment of antigens on the cell surface. The primary structure of these proteins and glycoproteins gives the antigen its unique tertiary structure.
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Key terms in this lesson
- primary structure
- The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
- apoptosis
- Programmed cell death, a controlled process by which unwanted or damaged cells are destroyed.
- pathogen
- A microorganism, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus or protoctist, that causes disease.
- antigen
- A protein or glycoprotein, usually on a cell surface, that is recognised as foreign by the immune system and triggers an immune response.
More in Cell Recognition and the Immune System
- The Immune System
- Defence Mechanisms
- Lymphocytes and Phagocytes
- Phagocytosis
- Antigens
- Lymphocytes
- Cell-Mediated Immunity
- Cytotoxic T-cells
All 30 lessons in Cell Recognition and the Immune System · All AQA AS-level Biology topics