Zoology · Human Health and Diseases

NEET (UG) 2024 — Question 154

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.

Assertion A: Breast-feeding during the initial period of infant growth is recommended by doctors for a healthy baby.

Reason R: Colostrum contains several antibodies absolutely essential to develop resistance in the newborn baby.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Option A:
Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
Correct
Option B:
Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Option C:
A is correct but R is not correct
Option D:
A is not correct but R is correct

Answer: A

Step-by-step solution

Colostrum, secreted by the mother's mammary glands during the initial days of lactation, is rich in antibodies, mainly $\ce{IgA}$ . The newborn absorbs these maternal antibodies through the intestine. These antibodies provide naturally acquired passive immunity before the infant's own immune system matures. This passive immunity protects the newborn from infections, which is why doctors recommend breastfeeding during early infancy. Hence Assertion A is correct and Reason R is correct. Since the antibodies in colostrum are the very reason breastfeeding confers protection, R correctly explains A. Therefore the correct answer is A.

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Exam: NEET (UG) 2024
Paper: 2024 paper
Subject: Zoology
Chapter: Human Health and Diseases
Topic: ACQUIRED IMMUNITY(ACTIVE AND PASSIVE IMMUNITY)

Answer: A

Step-by-step solution

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