Understanding the Differences Between Innate and Acquired Immunity
The human immune system is divided into two main types: innate immunity and acquired immunity. These defence mechanisms work together to protect the body against infections, but they function differently. Innate immunity is the body’s first line of defence, providing immediate but non-specific protection against pathogens. Acquired immunity, also known as adaptive immunity, develops over time as the body encounters and remembers specific pathogens, offering a targeted immune response.
Differences Between Innate and Acquired Immunity
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FAQs on Difference Between Innate Immunity and Acquired Immunity
1. What is the difference between innate immunity and acquired immunity?
Innate immunity is the body's natural defence present from birth, providing immediate protection, while acquired immunity develops over time and provides long-term, specific protection against pathogens.
2. What are the two types of acquired immunity?
Acquired immunity is divided into active immunity (developed through infections or vaccinations) and passive immunity (acquired through antibodies from another source, like maternal antibodies or immune serum).
3. What are the barriers of innate immunity?
Innate immunity includes physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes), chemical barriers (stomach acid, enzymes), and cellular defences (phagocytes, natural killer cells).
4. What is the relationship between innate and adaptive immunity?
Innate immunity provides an initial, non-specific defence that slows down infections, while adaptive immunity builds a stronger, specific response with memory against future infections.
5. Are T cells innate or adaptive?
T cells are part of the adaptive immune system and play a crucial role in recognizing and destroying specific pathogens.
6. Does innate immunity have memory?
No, innate immunity does not have memory. It provides the same level of defence every time a pathogen is encountered.
7. What is the second name for acquired immunity?
Acquired immunity is also known as adaptive immunity because it adapts and improves its response to specific pathogens over time.
8. What is the difference between intrinsic and innate immunity?
Intrinsic immunity is a part of innate immunity that includes antiviral mechanisms inside cells, whereas innate immunity refers to broader general defences like physical and cellular barriers.
9. What is the main difference between natural and acquired immunity?
Natural immunity refers to protection gained through infection (active) or maternal antibodies (passive), while acquired immunity includes both natural exposure and immunization.
10. What is the difference between the primary and secondary immune response?
The primary immune response occurs when the body first encounters a pathogen and takes longer to build immunity, whereas the secondary immune response is faster and stronger due to immune memory.
11. How does vaccination relate to acquired immunity?
Vaccination triggers acquired immunity by introducing antigens that stimulate the production of memory cells and antibodies, providing long-term protection.
12. What is the difference between acquired and inherited immunity?
Acquired immunity develops through exposure to pathogens or vaccination, whereas inherited immunity consists of genetic factors passed from parents to offspring.
13. Can innate and acquired immunity work together?
Yes, innate and acquired immunity work together. The innate immune system initially slows down infections, allowing the adaptive immune system to build a specific response.
14. What is the role of B cells in acquired immunity?
B cells are part of acquired immunity and produce antibodies that neutralize pathogens and provide long-term immune memory.
15. What are some examples of innate immunity?
Examples of innate immunity include physical barriers like skin, chemical barriers like stomach acid, and immune cells like macrophages and natural killer cells.
