Q. The opposite to innate immunity is:
Solution:
Acquired immunity is the type of immunity acquired during a lifetime. It is also known as adaptive immunity. It is capable of identifying and selectively eliminating specific foreign antigens. Both cell-mediated immunity, which is mediated by T-cells, and humoral immunity (mediated by B-cells) are responsible for acquired immunity. Acquired immunity is characterised by
- Antigenic specificity
- Memory
- Ability to discriminate between self and non-self
- Diversity
The concept of memory means that when our body encounters a pathogen for the first time, it produces a response called primary response which is of low intensity. Some antibodies like IgM are involved in this.
Innate immunity is present since the birth and contrary to adaptive immunity, it is non-specific in nature. It provides first line of defence against pathogens.
- Antigenic specificity
- Memory
- Ability to discriminate between self and non-self
- Diversity
Innate immunity is present since the birth and contrary to adaptive immunity, it is non-specific in nature. It provides first line of defence against pathogens.