Question

One of the many immune system functions is to protect individuals from pathogens such as the influenza virus. Of the following statements, which describes an example of how innate immunity and adaptive immunity each respond differently to exposure to influenza virus? Write the correct letter to this answer on your answer sheet.

a. Innate immunity is nonspecific, as it responds quickly to all pathogens in the same way, whereas adaptive immunity is specific but slower and responds to unique antigens.
b. Adaptive immunity is nonspecific, responding quickly to all pathogens in the same way, whereas innate immunity is specific but slower and responds to unique antigens.
c. Cell-mediated immunity is nonspecific, responding quickly to all pathogens in the same way, whereas antibody-mediated immunity is specific but slower and responds to unique antigens
d. Antibody-mediated immunity is specific, responding quickly to all pathogens in the same way, whereas cell-mediated immunity is nonspecific and slower and responds to unique antigens

Answer 1

A) The innate immunity responds quickly and nonspecifically to pathogens, whereas the adaptive immunity specifically responds to unique antigens but is slower to take effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct letter describing how innate immunity and adaptive immunity each respond differently to exposure to the influenza virus is a. Innate immunity is nonspecific, meaning it responds quickly to pathogens in the same general manner.

while adaptive immunity is specific, responding to unique antigens, but operates more slowly. The former can be thought of as the body's immediate and general defense against pathogens, which includes physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes, and immune cells that act fast but without specificity.

In contrast, the latter refers to immunity developed over time through exposure to specific antigens, involving a sophisticated process where B cells and T cells recognize and remember particular antigens for a faster response upon reexposure.