Cambridge Pre-U Syllabus - Cambridge International Examinations

32
3.5 The immune system
Content
Structure, function and physiology of the mammalian immune system
Monoclonal antibodies
Cambridge Pre-U Draft
Learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
a) contrast the specific and non-specific immune systems
b) outline the role of B-cells, plasma cells, memory cells, helper-T cells and cytotoxic-T cells in giving
specific immune primary and secondary responses
c) discuss the structure and action of antibodies (including variable and non-variable regions of the
monomeric immunoglobin IgG, but not including the range of types and functions of immunoglobins)
d) distinguish between active and passive immunity, as well as natural and artificial immunity, limited to
specific examples including tetanus, TB, polio and measles
e) describe the cause and means of transmission of malaria and discuss its global impact and why it is
difficult to control
f) explain the term autoimmune disease with reference to type 1 diabetes and myasthenia gravis
g) outline the ABO blood group system and discuss its implications in transfusion and hyperacute rejection
of transplanted organs
h) outline the principles involved in histocompatibility and acute transplant rejection (details of the MHC
system are not required)
i) outline the production of monoclonal antibodies and explain why it is necessary to use hybridoma cells
for this purpose
j) discuss and evaluate the use of monoclonal antibodies compared to conventional methods for diagnosis
and treatment including pregnancy testing, diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and radioimmunotherapy of cancer
Practical learning outcomes
X ref Section 3.1, Practical Learning outcome (i)