# A mother breastfeeds her newborn baby. Explain why the immunity the baby receives from breastfeeding is described as passive immunity, and state one way in which this differs from active immunity.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 10.1 Diseases and immunity · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Breastfeeding transfers antibodies from the mother to the baby
2. The baby does not produce its own antibodies / the antibodies are made by another individual
3. No memory cells are produced in the baby, so immunity is short-term
4. Active immunity provides long-term / lasting immunity (because memory cells are produced)

## Key terms

- [passive immunity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/passive-immunity)
- [active immunity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/active-immunity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-mother-breastfeeds-her-newborn-baby-99bc87ac) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.