Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a form of cell communication that may be used during an immune response?
851
views
2
rank
19. Innate Immunity
Introduction to Cell Communication
2:14 minutesProblem 10
Textbook Question
Which of the following binds iron?
a. Lactoferrin
b. Siderophores
c. Transferrin
d. All of the above
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of iron-binding molecules in microbiology. Iron is essential for many biological processes, but free iron is limited in the human body, so organisms have developed molecules to bind and transport iron.
Step 2: Examine lactoferrin, a protein found in secretions like milk and saliva, which binds iron tightly to limit its availability to pathogens, thus playing a role in innate immunity.
Step 3: Consider siderophores, which are small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds secreted by bacteria to scavenge iron from the environment or host, facilitating bacterial iron uptake.
Step 4: Look at transferrin, a blood plasma protein that binds iron and transports it through the bloodstream to various tissues, maintaining iron homeostasis.
Step 5: Since lactoferrin, siderophores, and transferrin all bind iron in different biological contexts, conclude that the correct answer involves recognizing that all these molecules have iron-binding capabilities.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in various secretions like milk, saliva, and tears. It plays a role in the immune system by sequestering iron, limiting its availability to pathogens and thus inhibiting microbial growth.
Siderophores
Siderophores are small, high-affinity iron-chelating compounds secreted by bacteria and fungi to scavenge iron from their environment. They bind iron tightly and transport it back into microbial cells, aiding survival in iron-limited conditions.
Transferrin
Transferrin is a blood plasma protein that binds and transports iron throughout the body. It regulates free iron levels, making iron less available to invading microbes and thus contributing to host defense.
Related Videos
Related Practice