Which process describes when an individual receives antibodies from another source without their own immune response?

Prepare for the VCE Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The process that describes when an individual receives antibodies from another source without their own immune response is known as natural passive immunity. This type of immunity occurs when antibodies are transferred from one individual to another, such as from mother to child through breast milk or the placenta during pregnancy.

In this case, the individual does not produce these antibodies; they acquire them naturally from another organism. This transfer provides immediate protection against pathogens for the recipient without requiring their immune system to create a response, which is particularly beneficial during the early stages of life when an individual's own immune system is still developing.

Natural passive immunity is temporary because the antibodies received will eventually degrade and be eliminated from the recipient's system. For example, maternal antibodies can provide protection to the infant for several months after birth, but as the child grows and begins to develop their own immune responses, these maternal antibodies diminish.

Other forms mentioned, like natural active immunity, involve the individual's immune system actively responding to an infection and producing its own antibodies. Artificial immunity generally involves clinical interventions, such as vaccinations or serum transfusions, which can be either active or passive based on whether the immune response is initiated by the individual or provided directly as antibodies.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy