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Multiple Choice
Which of the following properties distinguishes adaptive immunity from innate immunity?
A
Phagocytosis by neutrophils
B
Specificity for particular antigens
C
Immediate response to pathogens
D
Physical barriers such as skin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the difference between adaptive immunity and innate immunity. Adaptive immunity is highly specific and targets particular antigens, while innate immunity provides a general defense against pathogens without specificity.
Review the concept of antigens. Antigens are molecules, often proteins, that are recognized by the immune system as foreign and trigger an immune response. Adaptive immunity is characterized by its ability to recognize and respond to specific antigens.
Examine the role of innate immunity. Innate immunity includes mechanisms such as physical barriers (e.g., skin), phagocytosis by neutrophils, and immediate responses to pathogens. These are non-specific defenses that act quickly but do not target specific antigens.
Focus on the property of specificity. Adaptive immunity involves specialized cells like B cells and T cells that recognize and respond to specific antigens, distinguishing it from the general defense mechanisms of innate immunity.
Conclude that the distinguishing property of adaptive immunity is its specificity for particular antigens, which allows the immune system to mount a targeted and efficient response to specific pathogens.