What is the difference between passive and active immunity?

Active immunity is happens due to the contact of lymphocytes with pathoges (or simply their antigens), which triggers the specific immune response and immunological memory is produced (T-Memory cells created). This response is slow and can take up to a couple days, whilst its effects are long lasting. The final products of the immunity are antibodies and T-Memory cells. 

In passive immunity however, antibodies are taken into the body (could be from a poison antidote or from colostrum in human milk), and these antibodies only remain in the system for a short time, as then are then converted and excreted. This type of immunity is short term however it acts to clear the infection immediatelyNo immunological memory is created.

Both types of immunity can be artificial or natural.

KT
Answered by Katerina T. Biology tutor

16996 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are Enzymes and how do they work?


Why does a plant not take in all of the light energy that reaches their leaves?


Describe DNA replication. Is this process conservative?


How does the oxygen in the air reach respiring cells in humans?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning