Florida Biology EOC Practice Test

What distinguishes non-specific immune responses from other types?

1. It provides a targeted attack on specific pathogens

2. It protects against pathogens without distinguishing them individually

3. It creates memory cells for specific pathogens

4. It relies solely on antibiotic treatments

The correct answer is: It protects against pathogens without distinguishing them individually

Non-specific immune responses are characterized by their ability to protect against a wide array of pathogens without the need to identify or target specific ones. This means that the non-specific immune system acts as a first line of defense, utilizing general mechanisms such as physical barriers (like skin), white blood cells, and other components like phagocytes and proteins that react to any pathogens that enter the body. In contrast to targeted responses, which focus on particular antigens and involve the formation of memory cells, non-specific responses operate through immediate and broadly acting strategies. They do not remember past encounters with specific pathogens, which is a hallmark of adaptive immunity.