Infection and response topics generate high-intent biology GCSE questions searches—especially vaccination, monoclonal antibodies (Higher), and antibiotic resistance.

Start here for formats: Biology GCSE questions hub.

Common stems

Define and compare pathogens (2–4 marks)

• Describe how viruses reproduce inside a host cell.
• Give two ways bacteria may cause harm.

Vaccination (explain / 6-mark extended)

• Explain how vaccination reduces the spread of measles in a population.

Points: memory cells, herd immunity, secondary response—see 6-mark guide.

Antibiotics and resistance (3–5 marks)

• Explain why doctors should not prescribe antibiotics for viral infections.

Link selective pressure, resistant bacteria, not “viruses are stronger”.

Monoclonal antibodies (Higher)

• Describe how monoclonal antibodies are produced and one medical use.

Hybridoma method in outline; pregnancy tests or cancer targeting as uses.

Data on disease spread

• Using Figure 1, suggest one reason cases fell after 2015.

Must reference the stimulus—data questions guide.

FAQ

Is HIV always examined?

Not every series, but immune system vocabulary (antibody, antigen, pathogen) is core.

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