Question

Type of immunoglobulin present in colostrums / only in mother’s milk is
A. IgA
B. IgG
C. IgD
D. IgE

Answer 1

Hint: Immunoglobulins are glycoprotein molecules that are produced by the white blood cells. Immunoglobulins are also known as antibodies which help to build the immune system of the body and fight against various diseases in the body.

Complete answer:
Immunoglobulin A or IgA is an antibody that plays an important role in the immune function of mucous membranes. IgA is produced three to five grams and secreted into intestinal lumen every day. IgA accounts for 15% of the total immunoglobulins produced in the entire body.
IgA have two subclasses IgA1 and IgA2 and the main immunoglobulin is found in mucous secretions of the body like sweat, saliva, tears and colostrums. It is also found in blood in small amounts and IgA1 and IgA2 are glycosylated proteins. Both IgA1 and IgA2 are found in colostrums, maternal milk, tears and saliva where IgA1 is less prominent than in the blood.
The secretions from secretory IgA protects the immunoglobulin form being degraded by proteolytic enzymes thus, can survive in harsh gastrointestinal tract environments and give protection from microbes that multiply in body secretion. Thus, IgA plays an important role in fighting against various bacteria and viruses in the body and helps in increasing the immune system of the body.

Hence, the correct option is A. IgA.

Note: Absence of IgA due to an inherited inability to produce IgA in the body is termed as selective IgA deficiency. It can lead to critical immunodeficiency in the body.