Which of the following best describes a difference between the nonspecific and specific immune responses?

A. The nonspecific response is based only on physical barriers, while the specific response includes both physical and chemical barriers.
B. The nonspecific response provides a lasting immunity from previously encountered pathogens, while the specific does not.
C . The nonspecific response provides an immediate response, while the specific response involves a delay between exposure and response.
D. The nonspecific response relies on the recognition of pathogens to combat infections, while the specific response relies on inflammation.

The correct answer is C. The nonspecific response provides an immediate response, while the specific response involves a delay between exposure and response.

Explanation:

An immune response is a natural biological response to viruses, bacteria or any other harmful substance (pathogens). This response can be classified as a nonspecific response or specif response.

Non-specific response refers to an immediate response through immune cells that can respond to many pathogens and therefore this response is considered as a natural and immediate defense. On the other hand, in specific response immune cells respond to specific pathogens and this occurs only after these pathogens have been recognized, which means this response occurs some time after the exposure. According to this, the option that explains the difference between nonspecific and specific immune response is option C.