Differentiate the following and give examples of each:
(a) Innate and acquired immunity
(b) Active and passive immunity
(a) Innate and acquired immunity
(b) Active and passive immunity
Solution and Explanation
(a) Innate and acquired immunity
| Innate immunity | Accuired Immunity | |
| 1 | It is a non- pathogen specific tye of defence mechanism. | It is a pathogen specific type of denfense mechanism. |
| 2 | It is inherited from parents and protects the indivisual since birth. | It is acquired after the birth of an indivisua |
| 3 | It operates by providing barriers against the entry of foreign infectious agents. | It operates by producing primary and secondary responses which are mediated by B-lymphocytes and T-lymohocytes. |
| 4 | It does not have a specific memory. | It is characterized by 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 indivisual to another. |
| 2 | It has a long ;asting effect. | 2 | It does not have long ;asting 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 | Transfered of antibodies present in the mother's milk to the infant is an example of passive immunity. |
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Notes on human health and disease
Concepts Used:
Types of Immunity
Immunity can be defined as the body's ability to guard itself against disease-causing organisms. In other words, it is the ability to resist infection by the action of particular antibodies. Our body has the ability to produce antibodies against pathogens and defend itself from diseases; therefore, we may come in contact with several viruses every day, but not get ill. This defense mechanism is therefore known as immunity.
The two major types of immunity are:
- Innate Immunity or Non-specific Immunity
- Acquired Immunity or Adaptive Immunity
Innate immunity
The immunity, which is present in an organism by birth is called innate Immunity. Innate immunity refers to the body’s defence system. For example, the skin, the barrier of the human body functions by protecting the entry of germs and other disease-causing pathogens.
Adaptive immunity
An individual acquires immunity after birth, hence is called adaptive or acquired immunity. Adaptive immunity develops throughout our lives. We acquire adaptive immunity when we are exposed to infectious diseases and allergies or when we are immunized against them with vaccines.
Passive immunity
Passive immunity is developed by antibodies that are produced outside the body. This immunity lasts for a short time. For example, antibodies present in a mother’s breast milk provide a baby with temporary immunity against the diseases.
Active Immunity
Active immunity is a type of adaptive immunity, which is developed due to the production of antibodies in one’s own body. This type of immunity occurs when we are in contact with the pathogen or its antigen.