Question

1. What is the difference between a specific and a nonspecific defense?

Answer 1

  A specific defense mechanism is just that it is specific against a particular antigen. An antibody is an example of a specific defense. 

A nonspecific defense mechanism works against any foreign "invader." Skin is considered a non-specific defense. The lysozyme in tears will destroy any bacteria.

Answer 2

Specific defense is responding after recognizing the antigen, responding to one type of invader, attacking pathogens considered non-self, and responding better during a second attack. Non-specific defense is responding the same to all attacks, not distinguishing between foreign and self, not recognizing invaders before responding, and responding the same to all invaders. In other words, specific defenses attack foreign pathogens, and nonspecific defense do not distinguish between foreign and self.