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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an advantage of adaptive immunity?
A
It provides a highly specific response to particular pathogens.
B
It acts immediately upon infection without prior exposure.
C
It is unable to generate immunological memory.
D
It relies solely on physical barriers to prevent infection.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of adaptive immunity. Adaptive immunity is a specialized defense mechanism in the immune system that targets specific pathogens and develops memory for future responses.
Step 2: Compare adaptive immunity to innate immunity. Innate immunity acts immediately upon infection and does not require prior exposure, while adaptive immunity takes time to develop but provides a highly specific response.
Step 3: Evaluate the options provided in the question. Adaptive immunity is characterized by its ability to generate immunological memory and provide a highly specific response to pathogens. It does not rely solely on physical barriers, nor does it act immediately without prior exposure.
Step 4: Identify the correct advantage of adaptive immunity. The key feature of adaptive immunity is its specificity to particular pathogens and its ability to remember them for faster responses in the future.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'It provides a highly specific response to particular pathogens,' as this is the defining advantage of adaptive immunity.