Question

What is a hallmark of the adaptive immune system, distinguishing it from the innate immune system?

a) Phagocytes are influenced by the adaptive immune system.
b) Consistency in immune response from initial to subsequent encounters is a hallmark of the innate immune response.
c) Immunologic memory of the adaptive immune system is passed genetically from one generation to the next.
d) Detection of diminished MHC class I expression is a function of natural killer cells

Answer 1

The distinguishing feature of the adaptive immune system is the creation of immunological memory, which leads to a more efficient response upon reexposure to the same pathogen.

Step-by-step explanation:

A hallmark of the adaptive immune system, distinguishing it from the innate immune system, is its ability to remember specific pathogens after an initial encounter, leading to an accelerated and more robust response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogens. This memory is achieved through the production of memory B and T cells after the primary immune response. While natural killer cells, which detect diminished MHC class I expression, are a part of the innate immune system, and phagocytes are influenced by both systems, the unique aspect of immunological memory is not a characteristic of innate immunity and is not passed genetically from one generation to the next.