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Questions and Answers
Explain the difference between passive and active immunity.
Explain the difference between passive and active immunity.
Passive immunity is the transfer of pre-formed antibodies from one individual to another, providing immediate but short-term protection. Active immunity is the result of the body's own immune system producing antibodies in response to exposure to a pathogen, providing long-term protection.
Describe the functions of humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Describe the functions of humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
Humoral immunity involves the production of antibodies by B cells to neutralize pathogens and their toxins, while cell-mediated immunity involves the activation of T cells to directly destroy infected or abnormal cells.
What are the factors influencing antigenicity, and how do they impact the immune response?
What are the factors influencing antigenicity, and how do they impact the immune response?
Factors influencing antigenicity include the size, complexity, and foreignness of the antigen, as well as its route of entry and genetic makeup. These factors impact the ability of the antigen to provoke an immune response and determine the strength and specificity of the resulting immune reaction.