Pharmacology Researchers Are Developing a New Antivenom to Treat Coral

question 81

Multiple Choice

Pharmacology researchers are developing a new antivenom to treat coral snakebites.  They immunize horses with snake venom, extract IgG-containing plasma, and then administer the plasma to humans who have been bitten by a coral snake.  This therapy neutralizes the venom and improves the patient's symptoms.  In order to produce venom-selective antibodies, the researchers select a single venom-specific plasma cell from the immunized horse and induce it to proliferate and produce large amounts of venom-specific IgG.  However, they find that the antibody produced by the single plasma cell is less effective at neutralizing the venom than the IgG-containing plasma.  A decrease in which of the following best explains the reduced efficacy of the immunoglobulin produced by the single plasma cell?

• A)Affinity of the individual immunoglobulin
• B)Avidity of the individual immunoglobulin
• C)Number of antigen epitopes recognized
• D)Valency of the individual immunoglobulin

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Definitions:

Imaginary Friends

Non-real companions created by children, often serving as a way to explore social relationships and emotions.

Cognitive Problems

Difficulties with processes related to thinking, including memory, perception, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Real Relationships

Authentic connections between individuals, characterized by honesty, trust, and mutual respect.

Animism

The attribution of life and intentionality to inanimate objects.