Edexcel GCSE Biology

Pathogens & immunity

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Pathogens & immunity. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 25 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 25)

  1. Question 1

    Antibiotics treat which type of infection?

    • A) Viral
    • B) Bacterial
    • C) Fungal
    • D) All of these
    Show answer

    Answer: Bacterial

    Viruses live inside the host's own cells, so antibiotics can't reach them without damaging your cells too. That's why you can't 'antibiotic away' a cold or flu. Overuse of antibiotics drives antibiotic resistance - a major public health concern.

  2. Question 2

    Vaccines work by...

    • A) Killing bacteria directly
    • B) Giving the body dead or weakened pathogens so it makes antibodies + memory cells
    • C) Cleaning the blood
    • D) Increasing pulse rate
    Show answer

    Answer: Giving the body dead or weakened pathogens so it makes antibodies + memory cells

    Vaccine: harmless version of the pathogen -> triggers an immune response -> white cells make ANTIBODIES that destroy it AND form MEMORY CELLS that stay in the body. If you meet the real pathogen later, memory cells recognise it INSTANTLY and make antibodies before you get ill. HERD IMMUNITY: if most people are vaccinated, the pathogen can't spread -> protects the unvaccinated.

  3. Question 3

    White blood cells defend the body by...

    • A) Carrying oxygen
    • B) Engulfing pathogens (phagocytosis) and producing antibodies
    • C) Clotting wounds
    • D) Storing iron
    Show answer

    Answer: Engulfing pathogens (phagocytosis) and producing antibodies

    Two main types of white blood cells: PHAGOCYTES - engulf and digest pathogens (non-specific). LYMPHOCYTES - produce specific ANTIBODIES that bind to a particular pathogen, marking it for destruction or causing it to clump. After the infection, MEMORY lymphocytes persist for years (the basis of immunity).

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