Directions: 

Read the question below.Then read student A and student B's responses. Evaluate their responses by answering the questions below:

1) Which student response is wrong?

2) Explain why it is wrong. 

3) What specifically could the student have done to improve their response?

(Be VERRRYYY Detailed)

Base your answers to the following questions on the information below and on your knowledge of biology.

The hedgehog, a small mammal native to Africa and Europe, has been introduced to the United States as an exotic pet species. Scientists have found that hedgehogs can transfer pathogens to humans and domestic animals. Foot-and-mouth viruses, Salmonella, and certain fungi are known pathogens carried by hedgehogs. As more and more of these exotic animals are brought into this country, the risk of infection increases in the human population.

Explain in detail how the human immune system might respond to an invading pathogen associated with handling a hedgehog.

The year is 1812 and you are the captain of a British warship at sea. Britain is at war with France, so your crew is watching carefully for enemy ships. Suddenly, someone spots a ship on the horizon. Your crew sees the flag and believes it is a French ship! They ring the alarm, muster the crew, draw their swords and quickly fire the cannons. Ka- Boom! 

Later, you realize the ship was actually flying a Dutch flag, and the Dutch are not your enemy but a friend. 

Turn and talk:
What mistake did the British ship make? How is this similar to what happens during an allergic reaction in the immune system? (Hint: What is the flag like?)

Directions: 

1 person read each paragraph out loud

Answer the assigned question in your group

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. These harmless substances are called allergens. Common allergens include pollen, dust, pet dander, and certain foods. Even though these substances are not dangerous to most people, the immune system of someone with allergies treats them as if they are harmful antigens, which are molecules the immune system recognizes as foreign.

When an allergen enters the body, the immune system may produce special antibodies that recognize the allergen’s antigen. These antibodies attach to the surface of certain white blood cells called mast cells. Mast cells are found in many body tissues, especially in areas that come into contact with the outside environment, such as the skin, nose, and lungs. Their role is to help the body quickly respond when something foreign enters the body.

If the same allergen enters the body again, it can bind to the antibodies on the mast cells. This signals the mast cells to react quickly. Inside these white blood cells are small packets of histamine, which can be thought of as a chemical “bomb”. When the allergen binds to the antibodies, the mast cells release this histamine bomb into the surrounding tissues.

The release of this histamine bomb causes many of the symptoms people experience during an allergic reaction. Histamine can cause blood vessels to widen, tissues to swell, and mucus to be produced. These effects lead to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, difficulty breathing and swelling. Even though allergens are usually harmless, the immune system reacts strongly because it mistakenly treats the allergen’s antigens as a serious threat.