Antibodies are made up by - - RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Igs), are the primary molecules of the body's humoral immune response.
These proteins are structurally classified as globulins, specifically belonging to the gamma-globulin fraction of plasma proteins.
They are produced by specialized white blood cells called plasma cells (differentiated B lymphocytes) to identify and neutralize foreign pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

Option A: Albumins are the most abundant plasma proteins, but their primary function is to maintain oncotic pressure and transport various substances. They do not have an immune function.
Option C: Clotting factors, such as fibrinogen, are proteins involved in the coagulation cascade to form blood clots and stop bleeding. They are part of hemostasis, not the adaptive immune system.
Option D: Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes. While some hormones are protein-based, they are functionally and structurally distinct from antibodies.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Composition of Antibodies and Functions of Plasma Proteins as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Measuring serum globulin levels is a key diagnostic tool. Elevated gamma-globulin levels (hypergammaglobulinemia) can indicate chronic infections, autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), or certain cancers like multiple myeloma.
Conversely, low globulin levels (hypogammaglobulinemia) suggest a compromised immune system (immunodeficiency), making the patient highly susceptible to recurrent infections.
What if? If a patient has severe liver cirrhosis, the production of most plasma proteins, including albumin and many globulins (alpha and beta), would decrease. However, immunoglobulin (gamma globulin) production by plasma cells (which are not in the liver) might be normal or even increased if there's a concurrent infection or inflammation.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from physiology.
Identify the core term in the question: 'Antibodies'.
Recall the alternative and more technical name for antibodies, which is 'Immunoglobulins'.
Break down the term 'Immunoglobulin': 'Immuno-' refers to the immune system, and '-globulin' refers to a class of protein.
Scan the options provided: Albumins, Globulins, Clotting factors, Hormones.
Directly match the '-globulin' part of 'immunoglobulin' to the 'Globulins' option, identifying it as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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