215k views
2 votes
Immunization is based on

a-the body's ability to tell a harmful pathogen from a harmless one.
b-the introduction of helper T cells into the body.
c-the body's ability to remember an encounter with a specific antigen
d-the introduction of an unrelated pathogen into the body to stimulate antigen production.

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Immunization relies on the body's ability to remember a specific antigen, which allows for a quick and effective immune response during future exposures. Vaccination introduces modified antigens to stimulate this immune memory without causing illness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Immunization is based on c-the body's ability to remember an encounter with a specific antigen and develop a targeted immune response. During the process of vaccination, a person is exposed to a modified form of a pathogen, which could be just a part of the pathogen or a weakened or dead version. This exposure triggers an immune response that forms memory cells. These memory cells ensure that if the body encounters the same antigen again, it can mount a rapid and efficient defense, providing immunity to the specific disease without causing the actual illness.

Thus, the correct answer is that immunization is based on the body's ability to recognize and remember an antigen, aiding in the formation of a quick and effective response upon future encounters. This process does not involve the introduction of helper T cells or unrelated pathogens for antigen production, nor is it simply based on distinguishing harmful from harmless pathogens. Instead, it is about creating a system that can quickly neutralize a known threat upon recognition, thanks to the immunological memory elicited by the vaccine.

User Rachel Harvey
by
7.9k points