Q.Explain unique features of acquired immunity.

Acquired immunity is characterized by specificity (recognizes a particular pathogen/antigen), diversity (an enormous range of antigen receptors), discrimination between self and non-self, and immunological memory (a f...

Acquired immunity is specific, diverse, self/non-self discriminating, and has memory.

Acquired (adaptive) immunity, mediated by B- and T-lymphocytes, has several unique features distinguishing it from innate immunity: (1) Specificity — each immune response is directed against a particular antigen/pathogen, recognized through highly specific antigen receptors on lymphocytes. (2) Diversity — the immune system can generate an extremely large repertoire of distinct receptors/antibodies (through processes like gene rearrangement), allowing it to respond to virtually any antigen it may encounter. (3) Discrimination of self from non-self — the immune system is normally 'tolerant' of the body's own molecules and cells, attacking only foreign (non-self) antigens; failure of this discrimination leads to autoimmune disease. (4) Immunological memory — after a first (primary) exposure to an …