Question

Colostrum the yellowish fluid, secreted by mother during the initial days of lactation is very essential to impart immunity to the newborn infants because it contains?
A) Natural Killer cells
B) Monocytes
C) Macrophages
D) Immunoglobulin A

Answer 1

Hint: Breast feeding during the initial period of infant growth is very important for bringing up the healthy child because colostrum is rich in antibody, which develops immunity in the child. Colostrum contains immunoglobulin that is associated with mucosal membranes.

Complete answer:
During pregnancy, mammary glands of the female undergo differentiation and at the end of pregnancy, milk secretion starts from them. This process is called lactation. The yellowish milk produced during the initial days of lactation is called colostrum. It is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and antibodies and has very fat. Breastfeeding is very important for an infant because it provides them with nutrition and immunity. There are many types of antibodies produced in our body. Some of them are ${I_g}M,{I_g}A,{I_g}E,{I_g}G$.$$. Normally these antibodies are found in the blood and hence, show humoral immune response. Colostrum contains a large amount of ${I_g}A$ (Immunoglobulin A) antibody, which provides immunity to the child and hence protects the child from many infections.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Additional information: Antibodies are proteins produced by B-lymphocytes. They play an important role in the humoral response of the body.

Note: The foetus received one more antibody from mother, i.e. ${I_g}G$, which is received through the placenta. In fact, ${I_g}G$ is the only antibody that can cross the human placenta. It protects against bacteria, viruses and also neutralises bacterial toxins.