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Investigating the
Immune System
Editors:
Brian A. Jerome Ph.D.
Stephanie Zak Jerome
Graphics:
Fred Thodal
Dean Ladago
Instructor’s
Manual
Reviewers:
Stephen Trombulak Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Middlebury College
Assistant Editors:
Louise Marrier
Lyndsey Canfield
Heidi Berry
BIOLOGY
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Investigating the Immune System
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Investigating the Immune System
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Investigating the Immune System. The right is restricted only for use with this
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Copyright © 2010
ISBN 9781592344802
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A Message from our Company .............................
2
Viewing Clearances ..............................................
2
Use and Copyright ................................................
3
Student Learning Objectives ...............................
5
Assessment .........................................................
6
Introducing the Program ......................................
7
Investigating the Immune System
Table of Contents
Program Viewing Suggestions .............................. 7
Video Script ........................................................... 8
Answer Key to Student Assessments ...................
13
Answer Key to Student Activities ..........................
14
Preliminary Assessment .......................................
15
Post Assessment ................................................
17
Video Review ........................................................
19
Investigating the Immune System Vocabulary ......
20
Tracking Transmission ..........................................
21
Avoiding the Flu .........................................
23
The Malaria Story .................................................. 24
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Investigating the Immune System
Student Learning Objectives
Upon viewing the video and completing the enclosed activities, students will be able
to do the following:
• Understand that one of the main jobs of the immune system is to fight off infectious diseases.
• Explain that pathogens are viruses, bacteria, or other organisms that cause disease.
• Define disease transmission as the means by which a disease is contracted or “spreads”.
• Cite examples of ways disease transmission can occur. Examples include direct contact,
indirect contact, via contaminated food or water, or from infected animals.
• Explain how structures such as the skin, membranes lining body passages, and saliva serve as firstline defenses in the body.
• Describe what occurs in the second-line of defense - the inflammatory response.
• Understand that different types of red blood cells called leukocytes play a key role in fighting
pathogens.
• Differentiate between the following types of leukocytes: phagocytes, macrophages, and
lymphocytes.
• Understand the role lymph and lymph nodes play in the immune system.
• Define an antigen as a substance on the surface of a cell that identifies the cell as a pathogen.
• Differentiate and describe the function of B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells).
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of active immunity (acquired immunity) and passive
immunity.
• Describe the role vaccines play in developing active immunity against a specific pathogen.
• Explain that an allergy is the reaction of the immune system to a relatively harmless substance,
such as dust or pollen, as if it were an antigen.
• Describe the nature of an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis or AIDS.
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Preliminary Assessment (p. 14-15):
The Preliminary Assessment is an assessment tool designed to gain an understanding of
students’ preexisting knowledge. It can also be used as a benchmark upon which to assess
student progress based on the objectives stated on the previous pages.
Investigating the Immune System
Assessment
Post Assessment (p. 16-17):
The Post Assessment can be utilized as an assessment tool following student completion
of the program and student activities. The results of the Post Assessment can be compared
against the results of the Preliminary Assessment to assess student progress.
Video Review (p. 18):
The Video Review can be used as an assessment tool or as a student activity. There are
two sections. The first part contains questions displayed during the program. The second
part consists of a ten-question video assessment to be answered at the end of the video.
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Investigating the Immune System
Introducing the Program
Before showing students the video ask them if they have ever had a puncture wound or scrape.
Ask them to describe what the wound looked like and how it felt. Explain to students that the
wound triggered a response in the body called the inflammatory response. Write the term on
the board. Tell them to pay close attention to the video to learn more about the inflammatory
response.
Next ask students if they have ever had an infected wound. Ask them what the infected wound
looked like and how it felt. Ask students why the infected wound looked and felt different from
the uninfected wound, and ask students what they think was responsible for this difference.
Write the term “pathogen” on the board. Discuss that most infected wounds are the result
of harmful bacteria that exist in the wound. In this case, the harmful bacteria are pathogens.
Tell students to pay close attention to the video to learn about pathogens and ways the body
responds to pathogens.
Program Viewing Suggestions
The student master “Video Review” (p. 19) is provided for distribution to students. You may choose to
have your students complete this master while viewing the program or do so upon its conclusion.
The program is approximately 20 minutes in length and includes a ten-question video assessment.
Answers are not provided to the Video Assessment in the video, but are included in this manual on
page 13. You may choose to grade student assessments as an assessment tool or to review the answers
in class.
The video is content-rich with numerous vocabulary words. For this reason you may want to
periodically stop the video to review and discuss new terminology and concepts.
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At some point in your life you’ve probably had a cold,…
…suffered a scrape or a cut or,…
… had a vaccination.
All of these things trigger immune responses in the body.
What exactly are immune responses?
What parts of the body initiate and regulate immune responses?
What’s the immune system?
And, what are some immune system problems?
During the next few minutes we are going to explore these questions and others,…
… as we investigate the fascinating characteristics of the immune system.
Graphic Transition – Pathogens and Disease Transmission
As you go through your day you’re continually exposed to harmful organisms and substances
even though you don’t realize it.
This doorknob and this computer keyboard, for example, may harbor harmful bacteria or
viruses that if allowed to enter your body, could make you sick.
But, fortunately the body’s defense mechanisms, our immune system can fight off most attacks.
One of the main jobs of the immune system is to fight infectious diseases.
An infectious disease is an illness caused by organisms or viruses that enter and reproduce
inside the body.
Pneumonia, influenza, and the common cold are examples of infectious diseases
Viruses, bacteria and other organisms that cause infectious diseases are called pathogens. There
are thousands of different pathogens responsible for causing a wide range of illnesses.
Bacteria, protists, viruses, fungi and even certain types of worms can be pathogens.
The way you catch a disease or the way it “spreads” is called transmission.
There are several ways pathogens can be transmitted.
You Observe! How is the cold pathogen from this person being transmitted to the other
person?
As you see, it’s most likely transmitted by direct contact from the infected person’s hand.
Direct contact is a common way that infectious diseases are transmitted.
Many contagious diseases that spread from one person to another can also be spread by indirect
contact.
Rhino viruses that cause dozens of different kinds of colds can be indirectly transmitted through
the air or by objects that have been touched by an infected person.
Other diseases can be transmitted by contaminated water or food.
For example, in some parts of the world poorly designed sanitation systems and untreated
sewage contaminate water supplies with harmful organisms that can cause dysentery. This is a
leading cause of death in many countries.
Foods contaminated by bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can cause vomiting, fever, and
even death in some cases.
Animals, often in the form of insects can also transmit infectious diseases.
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Investigating the Immune System
Video Script: Investigating the Immune
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Video Script: Investigating the Immune
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31. For example, the pathogen that causes malaria is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
32. Malaria, characterized by fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness kills an
estimated one million people a year throughout the world.
33. Graphic Transition – Fighting Pathogens
34. At some point you have scraped, cut, or punctured your skin.
35. Most of these injuries heal. But sometimes pathogens infect these injuries, inhibiting the
healing process.
36. You Decide! What structure surrounding the body protects it from harmful invaders?
37. The skin, the largest organ in the body, forms a protective barrier that is impenetrable to
many, but not all, pathogens.
38. The skin, as well as sweat, tears, saliva, mucus, and membranes lining body passages help
stop pathogens from entering the body. These are collectively referred to as first-line
defenses.
39. Pathogens sometimes get past the first-line of defense and start an infection. If this occurs,
the second-line of defense is activated in what is called an inflammatory response.
40. When body tissue becomes damaged, cells release histamines and other chemical
compounds.
41. Histamines cause blood capillaries to increase blood flow and leak plasma into intercellular
fluid. This causes the area to become red and swollen.
42. Plasma that leaks into the infected area also contains platelets that help clot blood.
43. At the same time white blood cells called phagocytes engulf pathogens like bacteria and
other unwanted materials.
44. Pathogens can cause infected cells to produce a protein called interferon. This substance
causes nearby uninfected cells to produce enzymes that block the reproduction of
pathogens.
45. Graphic Transition – The Immune System
46. The human immune system is made up of a variety of cells, organs, and organ systems.
47. At the cellular level, different types of white blood cells also called leukocytes play a key
role in fighting pathogens.
48. Phagocytes are leukocytes that engulf unwanted cells and pathogens in a nonspecific
manner.
49. Macrophages are the largest leukocytes.
50. And lymphocytes are leukocytes involved in specific defense activities.
51. The circulatory system and the lymphatic system transport white blood cells throughout the
body.
52. The lymphatic system also produces and stores white blood cells and a fluid called lymph.
53. Lymph is transported through lymph vessels.
54. Special structures called lymph nodes filter lymph, and store white blood cells.
55. When the body is fighting an infection, white blood cells are produced in great numbers.
Lymph nodes such as those in the neck often become sore and swollen. You may have
noticed this when you are sick.
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56. Important structures in the lymphatic system include the tonsils, thymus gland, and the spleen.
57. The spleen is very important because it removes worn out red blood cells, platelets, bacteria,
and other things from the blood.
58. Graphic Transition – The Immune Response
59. Chances are you haven’t had diseases such as smallpox, mumps, rubella, polio, or measles.
60. This is because at a young age you most likely received vaccines to help your body create
immunities against these diseases.
61. You Decide! What is immunity?
62. Immunity is the ability of the body to fight infection through the production of antibodies and
cells that inactivate foreign invaders.
63. These specific defenses are collectively referred to as an immune response.
64. An immune response is caused by the immune system’s reaction to antigens.
65. An antigen is a substance on the surface of a cell that identifies the cell as a pathogen, in other
words, something that is harmful to the body.
66. The immune system’s role is to identify foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, and
ultimately destroy them.
67. As you recall macrophages fight general infections, while lymphocytes recognize and fight
specific infection.
68. There are two types of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, and T lymphocytes,
also referred to as T cells.
69. B-cells are produced in the bone marrow and eventually circulate in the circulatory and
lymphatic systems.
70. The main function of B-cells is to recognize specific antigens and produce specific antibodies.
71. Antibodies do not destroy antigens; instead they mark them for T cell destruction by binding to
them.
72. Like B-cells, T cells are also produced in the bone marrow but they mature in the thymus,
hence the name T-cell.
73. T-cells are lymphocytes that seek and destroy pathogens.
74. There are several types of T cells. For example, cytotoxic T cells, also called killer T cells,
attack dangerous cells by producing a protein that bursts the cell membrane.
75. Graphic Transition - Types of Immunity
76. As you know, immunity is the ability of the body to fight infection in different ways. There are
two main types of immunity: active immunity also referred to as acquired immunity, and
passive immunity.
77. Up to now we’ve discussed how the body produces antibodies and T cells to attack particular
antigens.
78. As a result of fighting a particular pathogen, memory cells remaining in the body quickly
produce antibodies or killer T cells if the pathogen enters again. This is referred to as active
immunity.
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Investigating the Immune System
Video Script: Investigating the Immune
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Video Script: Investigating the Immune
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79. If you’ve had the chicken pox, you’ve developed an active immunity against the virus so
that there is only a slim chance you can get the disease a second time. This is because
antibodies and T cells respond quickly to the pathogen to defeat it when it enters the body
again.
80. Active immunity can also occur through the use of vaccines. You have probably had
vaccines to develop immunity against diseases such as polio, measles, and mumps.
81. A vaccine consists of dead or weakened viruses or bacteria, or altered bacterial poisons that
are placed in the body, most commonly orally or via injections.
82. The introduced weakened antigen prompts an immune response producing antibodies or
killer T cells.
83. In this way a person develops immunity to a disease without suffering through the
symptoms of the disease.
84. Vaccines have undoubtedly saved the lives of millions of people and have greatly improved
the quality of human life.
85. Passive immunity, in contrast to active immunity, is only temporary, lasting just days to
months.
86. A type of passive immunity called maternal immunity occurs when infants acquire
antibodies from the mother before birth.
87. These antibodies, also passed on through the mother’s milk, help protect the newborn from
disease during the early stages of development.
88. Graphic Transition – Immune System Problems
89. If you suffer from hay fever, if you sneeze or get watery eyes in dusty places, or if you have
similar reactions around dogs or cats, you are well familiar with allergies.
90. An allergy is the reaction of the immune system to a relatively harmless substance as if it
were an antigen.
91. In an allergic reaction antibodies stimulate macrophages to release histamines.
92. Histamines cause the eyes to produce tears, blood vessels to expand, and nasal passages to
secrete mucus.
93. People who suffer from allergies are often prescribed an antihistamine medication to reduce
these symptoms.
94. Common causes of allergies include flower pollen, mold spores, dust, and even some foods.
95. Severe allergic reactions to things like bee stings can be extremely dangerous to some
people.
96. When the immune system mistakes the body’s cells for pathogens, an autoimmune disease is
caused.
97. Multiple sclerosis is an example of an autoimmune disease in which T cells and antibodies
attack the coverings of nerve cells, creating problems with nerve functioning.
98. AIDS is another example of an autoimmune disease. AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome is the fastest growing epidemic in the world, affecting millions of people.
99. AIDS is caused by the human immune deficiency virus, referred to as HIV.
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100. While a cure for AIDS has not yet been found, new drug therapies have been developed to
help alleviate symptoms and prolong life.
101. Generally speaking, in order for the immune system to remain healthy, it’s essential to
practice certain behaviors.
102. It’s recommended that you eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest and exercise, practice
good hygiene, avoid tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, and get vaccinations to prevent diseases.
103. These practices will greatly increase the odds of helping you live a long, active, healthy life.
104. Graphic Transition – Video Review
105. During the past few minutes we have explored many of the fascinating characteristics of the
immune system.
106. We began by looking at some of the ways pathogens are transmitted and cause disease.
107. The body’s first line of defense against pathogens was explored…
108. … as was the second line of defense – the inflammatory response.
109. The main cells and structures that make up the immune response were described.
110. Next, the general processes involved in the immune response were described, and the
various types of immunity were briefly explained.
111. Last, we explored some of the problems that the immune system may encounter, rounding
out our investigation of the fascinating immune system.
112. Graphic Transition – Video Assessment
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
1. Viruses and bacteria that cause disease are called _______.
2. The process of transferring pathogens from person to person is called disease _______.
3. One of the most important first lines of defense against disease is the _____.
4. This infected cut has activated an _____ response.
5. At the cellular level, _____ blood cells are key in fighting foreign invaders.
6. The _____ system produces and stores leukocytes and lymph.
7. _____ is the ability of the body to fight infection via antibodies or specialized cells.
8. _____ are white blood cells that recognize specific antigens, and ultimately destroy them.
9. AIDS is a disease affecting the immune system caused by a virus referred to as ______.
10. This is a _____ that will help this person develop immunity to a specific disease.
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Investigating the Immune System
Video Script: Investigating the Immune
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Investigating the Immune System
Answer Key to Student Assessments
Preliminary Assessment (p. 15-16)
1. b - fight infectious diseases
2. c - pathogens
3. a - transmission
4. b - direct contact
5. d - mosquitoes
6. a - skin
7. b - inflammatory response
8. d - leukocytes
9. c - lymphatic system
10. a - antigens
11. a - lymphocytes
12. d - marking them for destruction
13. b - T cells
14. c - dead or weakened bacteria or viruses
15. a - immunity
16. Some examples of pathogens include harmful
bacteria, viruses, protists and worms.
17. Some diseases can be transmitted via direct contact
with an infected person. Some diseases can also be
transmitted via indirect contact such as through the
air or by touching something an infected person has
previously touched. Pathogens can also be transmitted by
contaminated food and water, or by animals.
18. The skin forms a protective barrier that is
impenetrable to most, but not all pathogens. Sweat, tears,
saliva, mucus, and membranes lining body passages also
serve as first line defenses against pathogens.
19. Immunity is the ability of the body to fight infection
through the production of antibodies and cells that
inactivate foreign invaders.
20. A vaccine consists of dead or weakened pathogens
that are placed in the body orally or via injection. This
produces an immune response so that a person develops
immunity to a disease.
Video Review (p. 19)
1. The cold pathogen is most likely being transmitted
by direct contact from the infected person’s hand.
2. The skin, the largest organ in the body, forms a
protective barrier that is impenetrable to many, but not
all pathogens.
3. Immunity is the ability of the body to fight infection
through the production of antibodies and cells that
inactivate foreign invaders.
Video Assessment (p. 19)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
13
pathogens
transmission
skin
inflammatory
white
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
lymphatic
immunity
lymphocytes
HIV
vaccine
Post Assessment (p. 17-18)
1. b - inflammatory response
2. c - dead or weakened bacteria or viruses
3. b - fight infectious diseases
4. a - skin
5. b - T cells
6. c - pathogens
7. c - lymphatic system
8. d - mosquitoes
9. a - immunity
10. a - transmission
11. d - leukocytes
12. a - antigens
13. d - marking them for destruction
14. b - direct contact
15. a - lymphocytes
16. Some diseases can be transmitted via direct contact
with an infected person. Some diseases can also be
transmitted via indirect contact such as through the
air or by touching something an infected person has
previously touched. Pathogens can also be transmitted by
contaminated food and water, or by animals.
17. Immunity is the ability of the body to fight infection
through the production of antibodies and cells that
inactivate foreign invaders.
18. Some examples of pathogens include harmful
bacteria, viruses, protists and worms..
19. A vaccine consists of dead or weakened pathogens
that are placed in the body orally or via injection. This
produces an immune response so that a person develops
immunity to a disease.
20. The skin forms a protective barrier that is
impenetrable to most, but not all pathogens. Sweat, tears,
saliva, mucus, and membranes lining body passages also
serve as first line defenses against pathogens.
Vocabulary (p. 20)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
k - pathogen
i - transmission
a - direct contact
f - skin
o - leukocytes
b - phagocytes
m - macrophage
g - lymphatic system
c - immunity
j - B lymphocytes
l - T lymphocytes
d - antigen
h - antibodies
n - immune response
e - autoimmune disease
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Tracking Transmission (p. 21-22)
The students’ transmission logs will vary.
1. Examples of indirect contact might include doorknobs, water fountains, keyboards, sharing water
bottles, and other surfaces that are touched by many people.
2. Examples of direct contact include shaking hands, kissing, holding hands, etc.
3. You should not be afraid of touching objects such as doorknobs because the body’s defense
mechanism, the immune system, can fight off most attacks made by potential pathogens.
Investigating the Immune System
Answer Key to Student Activities
Avoiding the Flu (p. 23)
1. Influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus.
2. Common flu symptoms include chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing,
weakness/fatigue, and general discomfort.
3. The flu virus can be transmitted when a person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated
surfaces as well as nasal secretions are another way in which the influenza virus is transmitted.
4. Hand washing can rid your hands of the flu virus that you may have obtained by touching objects or
people that have the flu virus. Washing also discourages you from passing the virus onto other people.
5. To properly wash your hands first wet your hands and apply soap. Vigorously rub your hands together
so that the soap lathers. Once the soap is lathered scrub all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds. Rinse
your hands well under running water. Use a paper towel or air dryer to dry your hands. If you used a
paper towel to dry your hands, use it to turn off the faucet as well. An alcohol-based wipe or gel can be
used to clean hands when soap and water are not available.
6. It is important to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because if you have touched something
or someone with the flu virus it is possible to introduce the virus into your body by touching your eyes,
nose or mouth.
The Malaria Story (p. 24-25)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
b - mosquitoes
b - after merozoites cause a human’s red blood cells to burst.
c - Malarone
b - plasmodium has developed a resistance to the drug Chloroquine
d - parasitic protists
false
false
true
false
true
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Preliminary Assessment
Directions: Circle the best answer for each of the following:
1. One of the main jobs of the immune system is to:
a. carry out respiration
b. fight infectious diseases
c. create movement
d. digest foods
2. Viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that cause
infectious diseases are referred to as:
a. baccilli
b. intruders
c. pathogens
d. leukocytes
3. The means by which a disease is contracted or
“spreads” is referred to as:
a. transmission
b. transmutation
c. viral
d. spontaneous generation
4. When you get a cold from touching another person
who has a cold this is an example of the disease being
transmitted by:
a. indirect contact
b. direct contact
c. food-born illness
d. the air
5. Malaria is a deadly disease transmitted by the bite of
infected:
a. termites
b. rodents
c. birds
d. mosquitoes
6. What protective, impenetrable barrier of the body
prevents most pathogens from entering?
a. skin
b. hair
c. mucus
d. saliva
7. A red, swollen wound resulting from an injury is an
example of what type of body response?
a. blood response
b. inflammatory response
c. reflex response
d. auditory response
8. Various types of white blood cells that help fight
pathogens are collectively referred to as:
a. red blood cells
b. erythrocytes
c. platelets
d. leukocytes
Investigating the Immune
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Name:
9. What system is responsible for producing and storing
white blood cells, as well as lymph?
a. nervous system
b. respiratory system
c. lymphatic system
d. endocrine system
10. An immune response is caused by the immune
system’s reaction to:
a. antigens
b. lymph cells
c. leukocytes
d. dirty blood
11. The type of leukocytes involved in recognizing and
fighting specific infections are:
a. lymphocytes
b. erythrocytes
c. macrophages
d. red blood cells
12. Antibodies do not destroy antigens, but instead they
perform the task of:
a. poisoning them
b. bursting cells
c. creating them
d. marking them for destruction
13. What type of lymphocytes seek and actually destroy
pathogens?
a. B cells
b. T cells
c. bacteria
d. viruses
14. A vaccine that is introduced to the body usually
consists of:
a. white blood cells
b. metallic compounds
c. dead or weakened bacteria or viruses
d. poisons
15. Vaccines help a person develop the following without
actually coming down with symptoms of the disease:
a. immunity
b. disease characteristics
c. strength
d. bone and muscle mass
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Preliminary Assessment
Name:
Directions: Answer the following using complete sentences:
16.
List two examples of pathogens that may cause sickness or disease.
17. Provide an example of how a disease could be transmitted.
18. What is an example of the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
19. What is immunity?
20. Briefly state how a vaccine works.
Investigating the Immune
System
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Post Assessment
Directions: Circle the best answer for each of the following:
Name:
1. A red, swollen wound following an injury is an
example of what type of body response?
a. blood response
b. inflammatory response
c. reflex response
d. auditory response
9. Vaccines help a person develop the following without
actually coming down with symptoms of the disease:
a. immunity
b. disease characteristics
c. strength
d. muscle mass
2. A vaccine that is introduced to the body usually
consists of:
a. white blood cells
b. metallic compounds
c. dead or weakened bacteria or viruses
d. poisons
10. The means by which a disease is contracted or
“spreads” is referred to as:
a. transmission
b. transmutation
c. viral
d. spontaneous generation
3. One of the main jobs of the immune system is to:
a. carry out respiration
b. fight infectious diseases
c. create movement
d. digest foods
11. Various types of white blood cells that help fight
pathogens are collectively referred to as:
a. red blood cells
b. erythrocytes
c. platellets
d. leukocytes
4. What protective, impenetrable barrier of the body
prevents most pathogens from entering?
a. skin
b. hair
c. mucus
d. saliva
5. What type of lymphocytes seek and actually destroy
pathogens?
a. B cells
b. T cells
c. bacteria
d. viruses
6. Viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that cause
infectious diseases are referred to as:
a. baccilli
b. intruders
c. pathogens
d. leukocytes
7. What system is responsible for producing and storing
white blood cells, as well as lymph?
a. nervous system
b. respiratory system
c. lymphatic system
d. endocrine system
8. Malaria is a deadly disease transmitted by the bite of
infected:
a. termites
b. rodents
c. birds
d. mosquitoes
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12. An immune response is caused by the immune
system’s reaction to:
a. antigens
b. lymph cells
c. leukocytes
d. dirty blood
13. Antibodies do not destroy antigens, but instead they
perform the task of:
a. poisoning them
b. bursting cells
c. creating them
d. marking them for destruction
14. When you get a cold from touching another person
who has a cold this is an example of the disease being
transmitted by:
a. indirect contact
b. direct contact
c. food-born illness
d. the air
15. The type of leukocytes involved in recognizing and
fighting specific infections are:
a. lymphocytes
b. erythrocytes
c. macrophages
d. red blood cells
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Post Assessment
Name:
Directions: Answer the following using complete sentences
16.
Provide an example of how a disease could be transmitted.
17. What is immunity?
18. List two examples of pathogens that may cause sickness or disease.
19. Briefly state how a vaccine works.
20. What is an example of the body’s first line of defense against pathogens.
Investigating the Immune
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Video Review
Name:
Directions: Answer these questions as you watch the video:
1. You Observe!
How is the cold pathogen from this person being transmitted to the other person?
2. You Decide!
What structure surrounding the body protects it from harmful invaders?
3. You Decide!
What is immunity?
Video Assessment
Directions: After you watch the video, fill in the blank to complete the sentence.
1. Viruses and bacteria that cause disease are called ____________________.
2. The process of transferring pathogens from person to person is called disease
________________________.
3. One of the most important first lines of defense against disease is the _______________.
4. This infected cut has activated an ____________________ response.
5. At the cellular level, _______________ blood cells are key in fighting foreign invaders.
6. The ____________________ system produces and stores leukocytes and lymph.
7. _______________ is the ability of the body to fight infection via antibodies or specialized
cells.
8. ____________________ are white blood cells that recognize specific antigens, and
ultimately destroy them.
9. AIDS is a disease affecting the immune system caused by a virus referred to as __________.
10. This is a _______________ that will help this person develop immunity to a specific disease.
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Investigating the Immune System
Vocabulary
Name:
Directions: Unscramble the vocabulary words in the first column. Match the words to the definitions in the second
column.
____ 1) pnaetgho ________________________
____ 2) amsnnstirosi ______________________
a. Means by which disease is transmitted that involves
physical touching of the infected person with a healthy
person.
____ 3) crdeti ctotnac ______________________
b. Leukocytes that engulf and digest pathogens in a
nonspecific manner.
____ 4) isnk ______________________
c. The ability of the body to fight infection through
the production of antibodies and cells that inactivate
foreign invaders.
_______________________
____ 5) coyktueesl ________________________
____ 6) yaegtphsco ________________________
____ 7) arpaechmgo ________________________
____ 8) thpacmily mssyet ___________________
_____________________
____ 9) uynmimti _________________________
____ 10) B cyylhteomps ___ __________________
____ 11) T mcltoysehyp ____ __________________
____ 12) itgnean ___________________________
____ 13) oabentsdii ________________________
____ 14) meiumn presneos ___________________
__________________________
____ 15) tmnumauieo ssieade
______________________________
_______________________
d. A substance that triggers an immune response; often
induces the production of antibiotics.
e. Occurs when the immune system mistakes the
body’s cells for what it perceives are pathogens.
f. Protective barrier that is relatively impenetrable
to many pathogens; one of the body’s first line of
defenses.
g. A network of vessels, organs and nodes that collect
and clean certain body fluids.
h. Disease-fighting proteins that are produced in
response to specific antigens.
i. Means by which a disease is contracted or “spread”.
j. Cells that recognize specific antigens and produce
specific antibodies.
k. A disease-causing organism; can consist of viruses,
bacteria, worms, or other organisms.
l. Cells that mature in the thymus gland which later
seek and destroy specific pathogens.
m. The largest type of white blood cell; capable of
ingesting large numbers of bacteria.
n. A reaction of the immune system to the presence of
foreign substances.
o. General term that includes various types of white
blood cells found in the body; responsible for protecting
the body from disease-causing organisms.
Investigating the Immune
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Visual Learning Company
Tracking Transmission
Name:
Background: As you go through your day you’re continually exposed to harmful organisms and substances
even though you don’t realize it. A doorknob or computer keyboard, for example, may harbor
harmful bacteria or viruses that if allowed to enter your body, could make you sick. But, fortunately the
body’s defense mechanisms, our immune system can fight off most attacks. One of the main jobs of the
immune system is to fight infectious diseases. An infectious disease is an illness caused by organisms or
viruses that enter and reproduce inside the body. Pneumonia, influenza, and the common cold are examples
of infectious diseases. Viruses, bacteria and other organisms that cause infectious diseases are called pathogens. There are thousands of different pathogens responsible for causing a wide range of illnesses. Bacteria,
protists, viruses, fungi and even certain types of worms can be pathogens.
The means by which you catch a disease is called transmission. There are several ways pathogens can be
transmitted. A cold pathogen can be transmitted from one person to another person by direct contact from
the infected person’s hand. Direct contact is a common way that infectious diseases are transmitted. Many
contagious diseases that spread from one person to another can also be spread by indirect contact. Rhino viruses that cause dozens of different kinds of colds can be indirectly transmitted through the air or by objects
that have been touched by an infected person. Other diseases can be transmitted by contaminated water or
food. For example, in some parts of the world poorly designed sanitation systems and untreated sewage contaminate water supplies with harmful organisms that can cause dysentery. This is a leading cause of death in
many countries. Foods contaminated by bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can cause vomiting, fever,
and even death in some cases. Animals, often in the form of insects can also transmit infectious diseases.
For example, the pathogen that causes malaria is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
Materials: Tracking Transmission Log, pen or pencil
Directions:
1. In this activity you will attempt to understand how pathogens might be transmitted in your school. First,
read the Background section above. Pay special attention to the information provided about how diseases
are transmitted.
2. As a class discuss ways pathogens can be transmitted. Discuss the difference between direct contact and
indirect contact. Think of examples of each form of disease transmission that can occur in your school.
3. Your teacher will assign several students to a group. Each group of students will monitor a specific part
of the school for potential pathogen transmission. The areas of the school could include: classrooms, school
lobby, school cafeteria, gymnasium, and other public areas.
4. In your assigned part of the school you will track potential disease transmission for a period of 20
minutes. On the Tracking Transmission Log list the objects from which people may contract a disease via
indirect contact. These could be railings, doorknobs, desks, keyboards, or numerous other objects. Then
count the number of times these objects are touched. Also write down any examples of direct contact. Examples
include students touching each other, shaking hands, etc. Write down your observations for a 20
minute time period.
5. Return to the classroom after making observations and recording data for 20 minutes.
6. Summarize and report your findings to the class. Your instructor may ask you to write your findings on
the board.
7. Answer the questions at the bottom of the next page.
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Tracking Transmission
Name:
Tracking Transmission Log
Examples of Direct Contact
Number of Instances
Examples of Indirect Contact
Number of Instances
Example: shaking hands
Example: doorknob
Questions:
1. What examples of indirect contact did you observe?
2. What examples of direct contact did you observe?
3. Why should you not be afraid of touching objects such as doorknobs, etc.?
Investigating the Immune
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Visual Learning Company
Avoiding the Flu
Name:
Background: Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu is a contagious illness caused by a virus. The flu is typically
transmitted when a person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with contaminated surfaces as well as nasal secretions are
another way in which the influenza virus is transmitted. Flu symptoms include chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe
headache, coughing, weakness/fatigue, and general discomfort. In some serious cases, influenza can be fatal, or lead to
secondary infections such as pneumonia. Children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, adults 65 years of age and older are
at a high risk of developing health complications related to the flu. Each year between 250,000-500,000 lives are lost due to
the flu. In the United States alone, between the years of 1971-2001, an average of 41,000 people died from the flu annually.
The introduction of new strains of the virus caused 3 different pandemics in the 20th century. One of the most severe
pandemics was the influenza pandemic of 1918. The 1918 flu pandemic, killed between 20 and 40 million people and was
one of the most devastating epidemics recorded in world history.
Every year various strains of the flu virus infect large numbers of people. The flu virus generally occurs in late fall through
the winter. In some years flu pathogens are stronger and more virulent than in other years. There are a number of things
you can do to help you stay free of the flu:
• Wash your hands. Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to prevent spreading and
catching the illness. You should wash your hands before you eat, as well as before and after handling food. It is
possible that objects you touch throughout the course of the day contain the flu pathogen. Therefore it is a good
practice to wash your hands frequently. If someone in your home is sick it is important to wash your hands more
frequently than usual. To properly wash your hands first wet your hands and apply soap. Vigorously rub your
hands together so that the soap lathers. Once the soap is lathered scrub all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands well under running water. Use a paper towel or air dryer to dry your hands. If you used a paper
towel to dry your hands, use it to turn off the faucet as well. An alcohol-based wipe or gel can be used to clean
hands when soap and water are not available.
• At home routinely clean and disinfect surfaces in both the kitchen and bathroom. Counters in the kitchen should
be cleaned and disinfected before, during, and after food preparation. This is especially important when preparing
meat and poultry. Surfaces in the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, however, this is especially
important if someone in your house is sick. To properly clean and disinfect surfaces you should follow all
directions on the product label and use either paper towels that can be thrown away, cloth towels that can later be
washed in hot water, or disposable sanitizing wipes.
•Get immunized. According to the CDC a yearly flu vaccination is an important step in protecting
yourself against the flu. It is recommended that populations such as the elderly, health care workers, and people
with health problems receive the flu vaccination.
• Appropriately use antibiotics. Antibiotics generally don’t work against a cold or a flu, and should only be taken
exactly as directed by the doctor.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If you have touched something or someone with the flu virus it is
possible to introduce the virus into your body by touching your eyes nose or mouth.
•When possible avoid contact with sick people, and if you are sick avoid contact with other people. Stay home.
Questions:
1. What is influenza?
2. What are common flu symptoms?
3. Describe a possible way the flu can be transmitted.
4. Why is it a good idea to wash your hands frequently during flu season?
5. Describe how you should wash your hands.
6. Why should you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands?
Investigating the Immune
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Visual Learning Company
The Malaria Story
Name:
Directions: Read the information below and then answer the questions.
Malaria is a devastating disease that commonly affects people in the tropical regions of the world,
and less often in other parts of the world. Malaria is the number one cause of death in children
under the age of five worldwide. Unlike many insect-related diseases, malaria is not caused by a
virus, but by a parasitic protist called Plasmodium. Plasmodium is transmitted by the bite of the
female mosquito, Anopheles. There are four forms of Plasmodium that cause malaria. The most
deadly form is Plasmodium falciparum. How does this parasite infect a person? The illustration
below shows how a person can contract malaria.
1. A female Anopheles mosquito bites a
person previously infected with malaria
and ingests Plasmodium gametes into its
blood.
2. Plasmodium gametes reproduce in the
mosquito’s digestive tract and in 10-14
days release spores.
3. These spores travel to the
mosquito’s salivary glands.
8. Some merozoites remain
in the blood as gametocytes,
ready to be passed to a
mosquito and start the cycle
over again.
7. The merozoites break out of
the red blood cells, causing the
cells to burst. The symptoms
of malaria are produced. These
symptoms include high fever,
chills, vomiting, headaches,
diarrhea, and anemia.
4. The mosquito bites another
human victim and infects
them with Plasmodium
spores.
6. Merozoites migrate to the
person’s red blood cells where
they reproduce.
5. The spores invade the cells in
the person’s liver and develop into
merozoites.
Malaria remains one of the most serious epidemics in the world. A cure has not been discovered,
nor is a vaccine available. Efforts to control the spread of malaria have largely failed. A drug
called Chloroquine that is used to treat malaria is no longer completely effective because
Plasmodium have developed a resistance to the drug. Insecticides such as DDT, a chemical that
was banned in the United States because of its detrimental effects on the food web, are used to
kill the Anopheles mosquito. But, the mosquitoes have developed immunities to insecticides.
Efforts to develop more effective drugs and a vaccine continue. There may be hope for a cure. A
drug called Malarone was recently developed and has proven to be effective in treating malaria.
Hopefully this drug will continue to be effective and save millions of lives.
Investigating the Immune
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Visual Learning Company
The Malaria Story
Name:
Directions: Circle the correct multiple choice answer.
1. Malaria, caused by a parasitic protist is transmitted to humans via:
a. birds
b. mosquitoes
c. bacteria
d. rodents
2. The symptoms of malaria occur in a human during which stage?
a. after Plasmodium spores invade a human’s liver
b. after merozoites cause a human’s red blood cells to burst
c. during reproduction of merozoites
d. when Plasmodium gametes enter a human’s red blood cells
3. A new drug which has recently been developed and may be effective in treating malaria is called:
a. Chloroquine
b. Sporozoa
c. Malarone
d. DDT
4. Malaria is difficult to treat because:
a. pesticides are not being used to control the mosquito population
b. plasmodium have developed a resistance to the drug Chloroquine
c. plasmodium have developed a resistance to the drug Malarone
d. drugs are not used to treat malaria
5. Plasmodium are:
a. deadly viruses
b. female mosquitoes
c. insecticides
d. parasitic protists
Directions: Decide if the statement is True (T) or False (F).
6. Malaria is caused by a virus called plasmodium.
T
F
7. The male mosquito transmits plasmodium into a person.
T
F
8. The pesticide DDT was banned in the United States.
T
F
9. The most deadly form of plasmodium that causes malaria is called plasmodium anopheles.
T
F
T
F
10. Chloroquine is losing its effectiveness in treating malaria.
Directions: Research the different efforts that are underway to treat malaria and control its spread. Find
at least two different efforts, such as new treatment for malaria or methods for controlling the mosquito.
Write a one-page report on your findings.
Investigating the Immune
System
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