BRAINCAKETypes of Immunity
Immunity is the ability of the body to resist infection by a particular pathogen. It can be classified in two ways.
Active or passive?
• Active immunity: the body makes its own antibodies after being exposed to an antigen. Lymphocytes are activated and memory cells form, so immunity is long-lasting, but it takes days to weeks to develop.
• Passive immunity: the body is given ready-made antibodies from another individual. Protection is immediate, but no memory cells are made and the antibodies are gradually broken down, so it lasts only weeks to months.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- colostrum
- The first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies that give a baby passive immunity.
More in Response to Infection
- Antibodies
- The Cell-Mediated Response
- Cytotoxic T Cells
- Primary and Secondary Immune Response
- Artificial Passive Immunity
- Artificial Active Immunity - Vaccines
- Herd Immunity
- Eradicating Disease
All 20 lessons in Response to Infection · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics