Question

Becoming exposed to or infected with an infectious microbe does not necessarily mean developing a noticeable disease. Explain.

Answer 1

Immune system:

1. Our immune system fight against the pathogenic microbes in our body.
2. Immunity is the resistance to the onset of disease after infection by harmful germs.
3. The body fluids contain special proteins antibodies and antitoxins which react with their poisons to destroy them.
4. When microbes or foreign body enters our system, these cells become active and kill the microbes that could cause any damage to the body.
5. These immune cells manage to kill off the infection and a person does not get the disease.
6. Immunity can be classified into two categories- Innate immunity and acquired immunity.

A) Innate immunity

1. The immunity, which is present in an organism by birth is called innate Immunity.
2. Innate immunity refers to the body’s defence system.

B) Acquired immunity

1. An individual acquires immunity after birth, hence is called adaptive or acquired immunity.
2. Acquired immunity develops throughout our lives.
3. It is further classified as passive and active immunity.
   a) Passive immunity is developed by antibodies that are produced outside the body. This immunity lasts for a short time.
   b) Active immunity is a type of adaptive immunity, which is developed due to the production of antibodies in one’s own body.