What are the basic types of immunity?

Immunity is of two basic types- innate and acquired.

(A) Innate Immunity :

-Innate immunity is also known as inborn immunity. It is present from birth.

-Innate immunity is the first line of defence in most organisms, whether plants or animals.

-The immunity remains throughout life.

-Contact with pathogen or its antigen is not essential.

-Innate immunity is inheritable.

(B) Acquired Immunity :

-Acquired immunity develops only on exposure to the concerned microorganism.

-It develops during life time.

-The acquired immunity can be short lived or life long.

-Contact with pathogen or its antigen is essential.

-Acquired immunity cannot be passed to the next generation.