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GCSE Biology · key term
A long-lasting lymphocyte formed after exposure to an antigen that recognises the same antigen and enables a faster response on later exposure.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 5.13, 5.14 · Paper 1
Revise: Specific Immune SystemExposure to the antigen also causes the production of memory lymphocytes. These cells remain in the body after the infection has been overcome and retain the ability to recognise that particular antigen.
A long-lived lymphocyte formed after exposure to an antigen; it enables a rapid response if the same antigen is encountered again.
For a question about the secondary response, compare it with the primary response: the correct antibody is produced sooner and in larger quantities because memory lymphocytes already recognise the antigen.
Write the response as a connected sequence: exposure to the pathogen → recognition of its antigen → lymphocyte cloning and antibody production → memory lymphocytes remain → faster secondary response.
For an ‘explain’ question, give the whole causal chain: inactive pathogen → antigens → specific antibodies → memory lymphocytes → faster response on later exposure.
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