Passive Immunity & Breastfeeding (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Biology)

Revision Note

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Passive Immunity & Breastfeeding

  • Passive immunity is a fast-acting, short-term defence against a pathogen by antibodies acquired from another individual

  • Antibodies pass from mother to infant via breast milk - this is important as it helps the very young to fight off infections until they are older and stronger and their immune system is more responsive

  • The body does not make its own antibodies or memory cells in passive immunity, hence the name

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Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Lucy Kirkham

Author: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Head of STEM

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.