Immune System 101
This type of cell is like the body's personal superhero, swooping in to fight off bad guys like bacteria and viruses.
What are white blood cells?
This disease is like a party crasher that comes in without an invite and leaves you feeling feverish. You get a shot ever year, but it just keeps mutating!
What is the flu (or Covid) virus?
This major organ is first in line to defend you, continuously. It literally has you covered!
What is skin?
This is the term for tiny invaders that laugh in the face of penicillin.
What are antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
I noticed what was trending in the Galapagos, and I made it a thing. My scientific observations have made me immortal. You might call me "the fittest."
Who is Charles Darwin?
This body system is like a high-tech security system, complete with alarms and surveillance to keep invaders out.
What is the immune system?
The doctor better find out if this illness is the kind that can be treated with antibiotics so I can get my prescription filled...
What is a bacterial infection?
No need for a pH paper test. We know the environment in the stomach is full of this to help destroy pathogens.
What is acid?
If bacteria had a favorite superhero, it would be this type that survives all challenges. MRSA is an example.
What is a superbug?
Like the tortoise and the hare, this idea from Darwin tells you strongest and biggest and fastest is not always best.
What is "survival of the fittest?"
These proteins are the immune system’s secret agents, each with a license to kill invaders.
What are antibodies?
This pathogen is like a pirate taking over the ship and controlling the vessel, or a car hijacking.
What is a virus?
ACHOOO! Yikes, a little pathogen must've just tickled these and my body reacted to try to blow it away. Thank goodness for this first line of defense!
What is nose hair?
Bacterial bugs and literal bugs can become resistant. One to antibiotics, the other to this.
What is pesticide?
Thanks, Mom and Dad! Without these from you, I'd be cooked.
What are favorable or valuable traits?
"Hi, my name is ____!" These proteins are the name tags on pathogens.
What are antigens?
What are viruses?
Oh no! Engulfing isn't cutting it. Time to step it up and launch these babies to defeat the enemy before it's too late! Third line of defense: activate!
What are antibodies (from white blood cells)?
These bacteria are able to resist antibiotics thanks to this process, which helps all life survive and thrive.
What is natural selection/evolution/mutation?
The original "glow up," where fish traded fins for feet.
What is evolution/genetic mutation?
NOM NOM! You've detected an intruder that snuck past your first line of defense. Time for these to eat! What's that other word for eat?
What are white blood cells and engulf?
These pathogens do not believe in symbiotic relationships, where everyone involved gets a benefit. Instead, they just want to take and take from the poor host, and never give anything in return.
What are parasites?
Your body says: Oh look, a virus! Hey, I know this guy from somewhere, but we've never met. Somehow, I created him so I could learn how to recognize and destroy him before even being introduced. Thank goodness for advanced medical technology.
What is an mRNA vaccine?
Change is a good thing! Darwin says this is what species need to be able to do in order to survive.
What is adapt (evolve/change)?
This is the term for a trait that increases an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.
What is an adaptation?