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A-LevelBiologyImmunityMay/June 2021Paper 1 Q401 Mark

A country introduced a measles vaccination during a measles epidemic. Later, it was realised that vaccinated children were more likely to survive childhood than unvaccinated children, even when there were no measles epidemics. The vaccine had given the children some protection against other pathogenic infections. Which statement could account for this extra protection?

AB-lymphocytes produced memory cells which gave the children passive immunity to these infections.
BMemory cells produced plasma cells which secreted anti-measles antibodies that bound to antigens that closely resembled measles antigens.
CMemory cells produced plasma cells which secreted anti-measles antibodies that bound to any antigen.
DT-lymphocytes produced memory cells which gave the children natural immunity against these other infections.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: Memory cells produced plasma cells which secreted anti-measles antibodies that bound to antigens that closely resembled measles antigens.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Biology Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Immunity in A-Level Biology (syllabus code 9700). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Biology May/June 2021 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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