Final answer:
The ability of the body to recognize, destroy, and resist infection is called the immune response. The immune system defends the body against foreign organisms by recognizing specific molecules on the surface of pathogens and mounting a targeted response to eliminate them. This ability is known as active immunity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability of the body to recognize, destroy, and resist infection is called the immune response. The immune system is responsible for defending the body against foreign organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It does this by recognizing specific molecules, known as antigens, on the surface of pathogens and mounting a targeted response to eliminate them.
For example, when a person is exposed to a particular virus for the first time, their immune system will produce specialized cells called memory lymphocytes that can recognize and destroy that specific virus. If the person is exposed to the same virus again in the future, the memory lymphocytes will be able to quickly recognize and eliminate the virus, providing protection and preventing infection.
This ability of the immune system to remember and respond to specific pathogens is known as active immunity. It is a key component of the body's defense against infection.