IGCSE Biology 2 Views 1 Answers
State that memory cells are not produced in passive immunity
State that memory cells are not produced in passive immunity
Answer
In passive immunity, memory cells are not produced. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, providing immediate but temporary protection against pathogens.
Key Points:
- Nature of Passive Immunity: Passive immunity is characterized by the introduction of pre-formed antibodies into the body, which can occur naturally (e.g., maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta or breast milk) or artificially (e.g., through antibody injections).
- Lack of Memory Cells: Unlike active immunity, where the immune system responds to an infection by producing its own antibodies and generating memory cells that provide long-term protection, passive immunity does not involve the recipient’s immune system creating memory cells. As a result, the protection offered by passive immunity is short-lived, typically lasting only a few weeks to a few months.
- Implications: Since no memory cells are formed, individuals with passive immunity remain susceptible to reinfection by the same pathogen once the transferred antibodies diminish.
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