Read the following paragraph and answer the given questions.
Cancer detection is based on biopsy and histopathological studies. Techniques like radiography (use of X-rays), CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are very useful to detect cancers of the internal organs. Do you know why mother's milk is considered very essential for the new-born infant? The yellowish fluid colostrum secreted by mother during the initial days of lactation has abundant antibodies (IgA) to protect the infant. Different species of Plasmodium (P. vivax, P. malaria and P. falciparum) are responsible for different types of malaria. Of these, malignant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious one and can even be fatal. The exaggerated response of the immune system to certain antigens present in the environment is called allergy. The use of drugs like anti-histamine, adrenalin and steroids quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy. Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and other similar drugs, that are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, are often abused. Morphine is a very effective sedative and painkiller, and is very useful in patients who have undergone surgery.
A pregnant female is advised not to discard the yellowish fluid called colostrum, secreted during the initial days of lactation, because it is rich in:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → IgA
Colostrum is the yellowish milk a mother gives in the first few days after the baby is born. It has plenty of antibodies (IgA) that protect the newborn. This is passive immunity: the baby receives ready-made antibodies instead of making its own.
Option (2) IgE — Incorrect. IgE is the antibody made in allergy, as a response to allergens such as pollen or dust.
Option (3) IgG — Incorrect. IgG is the antibody that crosses the placenta to the foetus before birth, not the main antibody of colostrum.
Option (4) IgM — Incorrect. IgM is made first in an infection, in the body’s own primary response.
Note: The passage is taken from NCERT. NTA has put lines of the NCERT text together to make it. Most CUET (UG) questions come straight from NCERT, so study the book line by line, including figures and their titles.