In which type of immunity are ready-made antibodies directly given to…

The correct answer is Option (2) → Passive immunity

Acquired immunity can be active or passive. In active immunity the body makes its own antibodies after it meets an antigen, through infection or a vaccine. In passive immunity the body does not make them; ready-made antibodies are given to it.

Option (1) Active immunity — Incorrect. In active immunity the host makes antibodies after being exposed to antigens. It is slow and takes time to give its full response, so nothing ready-made is given.

Option (2) Passive immunity — Correct. When ready-made antibodies are directly given, the protection is passive. Colostrum, with its IgA antibodies, protects the newborn this way, and the foetus gets antibodies from the mother through the placenta.

Option (3) Innate immunity — Incorrect. Innate immunity is the non-specific defence present at birth, made of physical, physiological, cellular and cytokine barriers. It does not involve giving antibodies.

Option (4) Cell-mediated immunity — Incorrect. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is the second type of acquired immune response, carried out by T-lymphocytes, not by antibodies.

NCERT Extract:
Active and Passive Immunity – “When a host is exposed to antigens, which may be in the form of living or dead microbes or other proteins, antibodies are produced in the host body. This type of immunity is called active immunity. Active immunity is slow and takes time to give its full effective response. Injecting the microbes deliberately during immunisation or infectious organisms gaining access into body during natural infection induce active immunity. When ready-made antibodies are directly given to protect the body against foreign agents, it is called passive immunity.”