110k views
5 votes
using the terms antigens and antibodies, explain why the tumor cells are ignored by the immune system in a Tasmanian devil

User Muyueh
by
6.8k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

In the case of a Tasmanian devil, the tumor cells may be ignored by the immune system because they do not have foreign antigens on their surface that are recognized as a threat. Without these foreign antigens, the immune system does not produce antibodies to attack the tumor cells. As a result, the tumor cells are not recognized as a threat and are allowed to grow and multiply without being attacked by the immune system.

It is also possible that the tumor cells in a Tasmanian devil may produce their antigens that mimic the antigens found on normal cells in the body. If this occurs, the immune system may recognize the tumor cells as normal and not produce antibodies to attack them.

Overall, the immune system's ability to recognize and attack foreign substances is a crucial part of its function. However, in some cases, the immune system may not recognize certain cells as a threat, leading to the growth and proliferation of abnormal cells such as tumor cells.

User Lovechillcool
by
7.8k points