Question

Adaptive immune responses are more specific that innate immune responses.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me by my college professor while I was bunking the class.

My question is based upon The Immune Response in portion Immune Response of Cell Biology

Answer 1

The statement that adaptive immune responses are more specific than innate immune responses is true.

Here's why:

• Innate immune responses are the first line of defense against pathogens. They are nonspecific and provide a generalized response to a broad range of pathogens using mechanisms like phagocytosis, inflammation, and the action of antimicrobial peptides. They respond rapidly but do not adapt or improve over time.

• Adaptive immune responses, on the other hand, are highly specific to the pathogen or antigen. They involve lymphocytes (B cells and T cells), which recognize specific antigens and can "remember" them, leading to a more efficient response upon subsequent exposures. Adaptive immunity also has the ability to target particular pathogens more precisely.

Therefore, the adaptive immune system is indeed more specific than the innate immune system.

Correct Answer: (a) True