Final answer:
Adaptive immunity works by recognizing and remembering specific pathogens through antigen specificity, with a sophisticated system involving B cells, T cells, and the production of antibodies, leading to long-term immune memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptive immunity works by recognizing and remembering specific pathogens. Unlike the innate immune system, which provides immediate and non-specific defenses against pathogens, adaptive immunity is characterized by its ability to target particular pathogens with high specificity. This targeted response is achieved through the identification of unique antigens presented by pathogens. Once a pathogen has been identified, the adaptive immune system can produce a tailored response. It can 'remember' the pathogen through the production of memory cells, which ensures a rapid and potent response if the pathogen is encountered again in the future.
The adaptive immune response involves a complex interaction between various types of leukocytes, including B cells and T cells. B cells can differentiate into plasma cells which produce antibodies specific to the pathogen's antigens, while T cells can directly attack infected or abnormal cells.