I'm confused about the difference between active and passive immunity

Active immunity occurs when an individual develops immunity against a specific antigen when they are exposed to it - your body reacts by producing memory cells that provide long lasting immunity against that specific antigen. This happens when you get a vaccination for instance - your body is exposed to a specific antigen (e.g. MMR) - then your body forms memory cells to protect you from that disease. 

Passive immunity is slightly different, because the individual becomes immune to a specific antigen thanks to antibodies that are already ready-made. A good example are antibodies that can pass from mother to foetus via the placenta, or via a mothers milk during suckling - the baby isn't actively producing these antibodies - they are simply being passed on and stored for later use if the need to fight a specifc antigen arises. Passive immunity is generally more short-term vs active. 

Answered by Sophie P. Biology tutor

5111 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe two ways in which genetic diversity is achieved during meiosis?


Describe the role of the Loop of Henle


What are the events in the cardiac cycle?


What are the different stages of mitosis and what do they consist of?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences