[Campbell Biology P.1024] Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between ... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated immune response, according to the provided text?

  • A: The humoral response primarily involves antibodies targeting extracellular pathogens, while the cell-mediated response involves cytotoxic T cells destroying infected host cells.
  • B: The humoral response is mediated by T cells, and the cell-mediated response is mediated by B cells.
  • C: The humoral response provides short-term protection, while the cell-mediated response provides long-term memory.
  • D: The humoral response is part of innate immunity, while the cell-mediated response is part of adaptive immunity.

Explanation

Concept 43.3 states that in the humoral immune response, antibodies eliminate antigens, and in the cell-mediated immune response, activated cytotoxic T cells trigger destruction of infected cells. This clearly differentiates their primary mechanisms and targets.