Question

What does "nonself" mean? Give an example of a nonself cell in your own body.

Short answer

The term 'nonself' relates to any substances or entities within the body that are recognized as foreign and not a part of the body's own structures. An example of a 'nonself' cell within the human body would be a bacterium like Streptococcus, which can cause infections like strep throat.

Step-by-step solution

Define 'Nonself'

In the field of immunology, 'nonself' refers to anything in the body that is recognized as foreign or not originating from the body itself. It is identified by the immune system and is typically targeted for destruction to prevent any potential harm.

Provide an example of a 'Nonself' Cell

An example of a nonself cell in the human body would be a pathogenic bacterium, such as Streptococcus, that causes strep throat. Although it physically exists within the body when a person is infected, it is not a part of the body's own cellular structures, and it triggers an immune response due to its nonself nature.

Elaborate on the example

When a bacterium like Streptococcus enters the human body, it recognized by the immune system as 'nonself'. Upon recognition, the immune system mounts a defense, producing antibodies specifically designed to target and destroy these foreign cells, preventing the bacteria from causing further harm.