Question

Student to attempt either option (A) or (B):
(A) (i) Explain why the milk produced by the mother during the initial days of lactation is considered to be very essential for the newborn infant.
(ii) What is the term used for the milk produced during the initial days of lactation?
OR
(B) Many children in the metro cities are suffering from a very common exaggerated response of the immune system to certain weak antigens in air.
(i) What is the term used for the above mentioned disease?
(ii) Name the main type of antibody produced by the immune system in response to this disease.
(iii) Which two main inflammation-causing chemicals are produced by the mast cells in such an immune response?

Hint:

Colostrum is crucial for neonatal immunity. Allergies involve IgE antibodies and release of histamine and serotonin from mast cells.

Answer 1

(A) Step 1: The milk produced in the initial days is rich in antibodies, especially IgA, which provides passive immunity to the infant.
Step 2: It helps protect the newborn against infections during early life when the baby’s immune system is still developing.
Step 3: The term used for this milk is colostrum. It is yellowish and secreted in small quantities but highly nutritious.
OR
(B) Step 1: The exaggerated immune response to weak antigens is called allergy.
Step 2: The main type of antibody produced during this response is IgE.
Step 3: The mast cells release two major chemicals—histamine and serotonin—which cause inflammation.