How does passive immunity differ from active immunity?

How does passive immunity differ from active immunity?

• A. Passive immunity is developed through vaccinations
• B. Active immunity is temporary, while passive is long-lasting
• C. Passive immunity is provided by antibodies from another source
• D. Active immunity is inherited from parents

Answer: (C)

Passive immunity is characterized by the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection against pathogens. This transfer can occur naturally, such as when a mother passes antibodies to her fetus through the placenta or through breast milk, or artificially through treatments that administer antibodies (like immunoglobulin therapy). In contrast, active immunity involves the body’s own immune system generating a response, typically following exposure to a pathogen or vaccination, where the immune system learns to recognize and combat that specific pathogen in the future. This process leads to long-lasting immunity as the body retains the memory of the encountered pathogen. The other options suggest misunderstandings about the nature of each type of immunity. For instance, vaccines indeed help create active immunity rather than passive immunity. While passive immunity can be temporary, active immunity generally provides longer-lasting protection. Lastly, active immunity is not inherited but developed through exposure or vaccinations, which distinguishes it further from passive immunity.

Passive immunity is characterized by the transfer of antibodies from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection against pathogens. This transfer can occur naturally, such as when a mother passes antibodies to her fetus through the placenta or through breast milk, or artificially through treatments that administer antibodies (like immunoglobulin therapy).

In contrast, active immunity involves the body’s own immune system generating a response, typically following exposure to a pathogen or vaccination, where the immune system learns to recognize and combat that specific pathogen in the future. This process leads to long-lasting immunity as the body retains the memory of the encountered pathogen.

The other options suggest misunderstandings about the nature of each type of immunity. For instance, vaccines indeed help create active immunity rather than passive immunity. While passive immunity can be temporary, active immunity generally provides longer-lasting protection. Lastly, active immunity is not inherited but developed through exposure or vaccinations, which distinguishes it further from passive immunity.