Which statement describes artificially acquired active immunity?

Which statement describes artificially acquired active immunity?

• A. Immunity developed after vaccination containing antigen.
• B. Antibodies pass from mother to fetus.
• C. Administration of antibodies.
• D. Infection with disease.

Answer: (A)

Artificially acquired active immunity happens when the immune system is stimulated to make its own antibodies and memory cells in response to a vaccine that contains an antigen. The vaccine introduces a safe form of the pathogen (or a piece of it), triggering B and T cell responses without causing disease. That active response is what builds long-lasting protection, because memory cells remain ready to respond if the real pathogen is encountered later. In contrast, immunity from a mother’s antibodies is passive immunity, where antibodies are transferred but the body isn’t actively making them. Administering antibodies directly is also passive immunization. Infection with the disease is natural active immunity, not artificial.

Artificially acquired active immunity happens when the immune system is stimulated to make its own antibodies and memory cells in response to a vaccine that contains an antigen. The vaccine introduces a safe form of the pathogen (or a piece of it), triggering B and T cell responses without causing disease. That active response is what builds long-lasting protection, because memory cells remain ready to respond if the real pathogen is encountered later.

In contrast, immunity from a mother’s antibodies is passive immunity, where antibodies are transferred but the body isn’t actively making them. Administering antibodies directly is also passive immunization. Infection with the disease is natural active immunity, not artificial.