Question 8
Differentiate the following and give examples of each:
(a) Innate and acquired immunity
(b) Active and passive immunity
(a) Innate and acquired immunity
| Innate immunity |
| Acquired immunity |
1. | It is a non−pathogen specific type of defense mechanism. | 1. | It is a pathogen specific type of defense mechanism. |
2. | It is inherited from parents and protects the individual since birth. | 2. | It is acquired after the birth of an individual. |
3. | It operates by providing barriers against the entry of foreign infectious agents. | 3. | It operates by producing primary and secondary responses, which are mediated by B−lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. |
4 | It does not have a specific memory. | 4 | It is characterized by an immunological memory. |
(b) Active and passive immunity
| Active immunity |
| Passive immunity |
1. | It is a type of acquired immunity in which the body produces its own antibodies against disease-causing antigens. | 1. | It is a type of acquired immunity in which readymade antibodies are transferred from one individual to another. |
2. | It has a long lasting effect. | 2. | It does not have long lasting effect. |
3. | It is slow. It takes time in producing antibodies and giving responses. | 3. | It is fast. It provides immediate relief. |
4. | Injecting microbes through vaccination inside the body is an example of active immunity. | 4. | Transfer of antibodies present in the mother’s milk to the infant is an example of passive immunity. |
