Answer
Active and passive immunity are two different ways in which the immune system can acquire protection against infections. They involve different mechanisms and sources of immunity. Here's a comparison of active and passive immunity, along with natural and artificial examples of each:
**Active Immunity:**
1. **Mechanism:** Active immunity involves the immune system responding to the presence of antigens and generating an immune response, which leads to the production of memory cells that provide long-lasting protection.
2. **Natural Example:** Recovering from a natural infection is an example of acquiring active immunity. When a person becomes infected with a pathogen (e.g., virus or bacteria) and their immune system successfully fights off the infection, memory cells are formed. If the person is exposed to the same pathogen again, the immune response is rapid and more effective.
3. **Artificial Example:** Vaccination is an example of acquiring active immunity artificially. Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens or their components. When a person receives a vaccine, their immune system responds by producing memory cells. If the person is exposed to the actual pathogen in the future, their immune system can mount a quick and robust response, preventing the disease.
**Passive Immunity:**
1. **Mechanism:** Passive immunity involves the direct transfer of antibodies or immune cells from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection.
2. **Natural Example:** A newborn baby receiving antibodies from its mother through breast milk is an example of acquiring passive immunity. The mother's antibodies are transferred to the baby, offering protection against certain infections until the baby's own immune system matures.
3. **Artificial Example:** Administering preformed antibodies, such as immune globulins, to a person is an example of acquiring passive immunity artificially. This is often used in emergency situations, such as post-exposure prophylaxis for certain diseases like rabies or hepatitis B. The person receives immediate protection from the transferred antibodies, but the immunity wanes over time.
In summary, active immunity involves the immune system generating a response and forming memory cells, providing long-lasting protection, while passive immunity involves the direct transfer of antibodies or immune components, offering immediate but temporary protection. Both active and passive immunity have their advantages and are used in various situations to provide protection against infections.
Work Step by Step
Active and passive immunity are two different ways in which the immune system can acquire protection against infections. They involve different mechanisms and sources of immunity. Here's a comparison of active and passive immunity, along with natural and artificial examples of each:
**Active Immunity:**
1. **Mechanism:** Active immunity involves the immune system responding to the presence of antigens and generating an immune response, which leads to the production of memory cells that provide long-lasting protection.
2. **Natural Example:** Recovering from a natural infection is an example of acquiring active immunity. When a person becomes infected with a pathogen (e.g., virus or bacteria) and their immune system successfully fights off the infection, memory cells are formed. If the person is exposed to the same pathogen again, the immune response is rapid and more effective.
3. **Artificial Example:** Vaccination is an example of acquiring active immunity artificially. Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens or their components. When a person receives a vaccine, their immune system responds by producing memory cells. If the person is exposed to the actual pathogen in the future, their immune system can mount a quick and robust response, preventing the disease.
**Passive Immunity:**
1. **Mechanism:** Passive immunity involves the direct transfer of antibodies or immune cells from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection.
2. **Natural Example:** A newborn baby receiving antibodies from its mother through breast milk is an example of acquiring passive immunity. The mother's antibodies are transferred to the baby, offering protection against certain infections until the baby's own immune system matures.
3. **Artificial Example:** Administering preformed antibodies, such as immune globulins, to a person is an example of acquiring passive immunity artificially. This is often used in emergency situations, such as post-exposure prophylaxis for certain diseases like rabies or hepatitis B. The person receives immediate protection from the transferred antibodies, but the immunity wanes over time.
In summary, active immunity involves the immune system generating a response and forming memory cells, providing long-lasting protection, while passive immunity involves the direct transfer of antibodies or immune components, offering immediate but temporary protection. Both active and passive immunity have their advantages and are used in various situations to provide protection against infections.
