What major advantage is conveyed by having a system of adaptive immunity?
A) It enables a rapid defense against an antigen that has been previously encountered.
B) It enables an animal to counter most pathogens almost instantly the first time they are encountered.
C) It results in effector cells, each of which has specificity for a large number of antigens.
D) It allows for the destruction of antibodies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adaptive immunity allows for the rapid defense against antigens that have previously been encountered, due to the production of memory cells. This allows for a more efficient response to the pathogen upon a subsequent exposure, providing a major advantage in fighting off infections. Option B is incorrect as it contradicts the principle of adaptive immunity - the initial response to a pathogen takes time to develop. Option C does not accurately describe the diversity of specificity in effector cells, as each cell typically only recognizes a specific antigen. Option D is not a correct statement about adaptive immunity as antibodies are a key component of this system.

What Major Advantage Is Conveyed by Having a System of Adaptive