Which statement about acquired immunity is false?

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Prepare for the UCF HSC3147 Introduction to Pharmacology Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Enhance your exam readiness!

The statement that acquired immunity remains the same over repeated exposures is false. Acquired immunity, also known as adaptive immunity, is characterized by its ability to improve and become more effective with each exposure to a specific antigen. This is primarily due to the formation of memory cells, which remain in the body after the initial exposure to a pathogen or vaccine. These memory cells allow for a faster and more robust response during subsequent encounters with the same antigen.

The process begins when the immune system is exposed to an antigen for the first time, leading to the activation of T and B lymphocytes. After the first response, some of these cells develop into memory cells that "remember" the antigen. During subsequent exposures, these memory cells can trigger a more potent and quicker immune response compared to the initial response. Therefore, the correct understanding of acquired immunity is that it enhances its response with each exposure rather than being static or unchanged.