Photo AI
Why do organ transplant patients need anti-rejection medication? (A) To minimise infection (B) To prevent T-lymphocyte growth (C) To stimulate the interaction of B- and T-lymphocytes (D) To prevent the recipient's blood type changing and adopting the immune system of the donor - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 13 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 13
Why do organ transplant patients need anti-rejection medication? (A) To minimise infection (B) To prevent T-lymphocyte growth (C) To stimulate the interaction of ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Why do organ transplant patients need anti-rejection medication? (A) To minimise infection (B) To prevent T-lymphocyte growth (C) To stimulate the interaction of B- and T-lymphocytes (D) To prevent the recipient's blood type changing and adopting the immune system of the donor - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 13 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
To prevent T-lymphocyte growth
Answer
Organ transplant patients require anti-rejection medication primarily to prevent T-lymphocyte growth. T-lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response by identifying and attacking foreign cells. When an organ is transplanted, the recipient's immune system may recognize the new organ as foreign, triggering T-lymphocytes to initiate an immune response that can lead to organ rejection.
By using anti-rejection medications, such as immunosuppressants, the activity of these T-lymphocytes is suppressed. This helps ensure that the transplanted organ is accepted by the recipient's body and functions effectively without being attacked by the immune system.