[Campbell Biology P.1001] What is the primary difference in how innate and adaptive immune sy... | Practice Question

What is the primary difference in how innate and adaptive immune systems recognize pathogens, according to the provided text?

  • A: Innate immunity recognizes general traits common to pathogen groups, while adaptive immunity recognizes specific parts of individual pathogens.
  • B: Innate immunity relies on specific receptors, while adaptive immunity uses non-specific mechanisms.
  • C: Adaptive immunity recognizes molecules absent from animals, while innate immunity recognizes molecules present in animals.
  • D: Both innate and adaptive immunity recognize pathogens in the same highly specific manner.

Explanation

The 'Innate recognition' section states that 'Each of a small set of receptors recognizes a molecule absent from animals, but common to a type of pathogen,' indicating general recognition. In contrast, 'Adaptive recognition' describes how 'Each of a vast number of receptors is specific for a particular part of a protein in one pathogen,' highlighting highly specific recognition.