Question

Assertion (A): Innate immunity includes built-in molecular and cellular mechanisms that are encoded in the germline and are evolutionarily more primitive. Reason (R): Immune responses by B and T lymphocytes are much more attuned to subtle molecular differences and more antigen-specific.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

Innate = General defense (encoded in DNA); Adaptive = Special forces (trained for specific enemies).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept
Immunity is divided into innate (non-specific, rapid) and adaptive (specific, slow) systems.

Step 2: Meaning
Innate immunity uses germline-encoded receptors to recognise broad patterns, while adaptive immunity uses B and T cells for precision.

Step 3: Analysis
Assertion (A) correctly identifies innate immunity. Reason (R) correctly describes adaptive immunity. However, the specificity of B and T cells does not explain why innate immunity is germline-encoded.

Step 4: Conclusion
Both are true, but (R) is not the causal explanation for (A).

Final Answer: (B)