Photo AI
Explain the difference between active and passive immunity and give one example of each from agriculture. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question c - 2011
Question c
Explain the difference between active and passive immunity and give one example of each from agriculture.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain the difference between active and passive immunity and give one example of each from agriculture. - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question c - 2011
Step 1
Explain the difference between active immunity
Answer
Active immunity occurs when the body itself produces antibodies in response to an antigen, such as a virus or bacterium. This can happen through natural exposure to pathogens, as well as through vaccinations. For example, when animals are vaccinated against a disease like tuberculosis (TB), they develop active immunity by generating specific antibodies that provide protection against future infections.
Step 2
Explain passive immunity
Answer
Passive immunity, on the other hand, is when antibodies are transferred from one organism to another without the recipient's immune system being stimulated to produce its own antibodies. A common example in agriculture is the transfer of maternal antibodies through colostrum, which is the first milk produced by a mother after giving birth. These antibodies provide immediate, but temporary, protection to newborn animals.