Colostrum the yellowish fluid, secreted by mother during the initial days of lactation is very essential to impart immunity to the new born infants because it contains :
Answer: (D) Immunoglobulin A. Answer: (D) Immunoglobulin A Solution: NCERT states that the yellowish fluid colostrum, secreted by the mother during the initial days of lactation, has abundant antibodies (IgA) to protect the infant.
- A.Natural killer cells
- B.Monocytes
- C.Macrophages
- D.Immunoglobulin A✓
Correct Answer
(D) Immunoglobulin A
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (D) Immunoglobulin A Solution: NCERT states that the yellowish fluid colostrum, secreted by the mother during the initial days of lactation, has abundant antibodies (IgA) to protect the infant. Because ready-made antibodies are transferred to the newborn, this is an example of passive immunity. Why not the others: Natural killer cells, monocytes and macrophages are cellular components of innate immunity and are not the protective factor that colostrum imparts to the infant; it is the immunoglobulin (IgA) antibody content that confers the passive immunity. NCERT Reference: NCERT Ch7, p.136, lines 19-22: "The yellowish fluid colostrum secreted by mother during the initial days of lactation has abundant antibodies (IgA) to protect the infant"