Question:
Which of the following is the iron-binding glycoprotein present in milk, which possesses antimicrobial activity?
Which of the following is the iron-binding glycoprotein present in milk, which possesses antimicrobial activity?
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Lactoferrin is considered a key component of the innate immune system.
Due to its wide-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, it is increasingly isolated and used as a bioactive ingredient in infant formulas.
Due to its wide-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, it is increasingly isolated and used as a bioactive ingredient in infant formulas.
Updated On: Aug 20, 2026
- Asparagine
- Lactoferrin
- Mucins
- Miraculin
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bovine and human milk contain minor bioactive proteins that serve protective, non-immunological physiological functions, particularly defending the gut of the newborn against pathogens.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Lactoferrin is a major iron-binding globulin (glycoprotein) present in milk, with exceptionally high concentrations in colostrum.
- It has a high affinity for ferric (\(\text{Fe}^{3+}\)) ions.
- Its primary antimicrobial mechanism is iron sequestration: it binds and sequesters free iron in the milk, depriving iron-dependent pathogenic bacteria (such as coliforms like E. coli) of this essential nutrient, thereby inhibiting their multiplication (bacteriostatic effect).
- It also directly interacts with bacterial cell walls, causing membrane disruption.
- Asparagine is an amino acid, mucins are structural glycoproteins, and miraculin is a taste-modifying protein from plants.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The iron-binding antimicrobial glycoprotein is Lactoferrin, which corresponds to option (B).
Bovine and human milk contain minor bioactive proteins that serve protective, non-immunological physiological functions, particularly defending the gut of the newborn against pathogens.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Lactoferrin is a major iron-binding globulin (glycoprotein) present in milk, with exceptionally high concentrations in colostrum.
- It has a high affinity for ferric (\(\text{Fe}^{3+}\)) ions.
- Its primary antimicrobial mechanism is iron sequestration: it binds and sequesters free iron in the milk, depriving iron-dependent pathogenic bacteria (such as coliforms like E. coli) of this essential nutrient, thereby inhibiting their multiplication (bacteriostatic effect).
- It also directly interacts with bacterial cell walls, causing membrane disruption.
- Asparagine is an amino acid, mucins are structural glycoproteins, and miraculin is a taste-modifying protein from plants.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The iron-binding antimicrobial glycoprotein is Lactoferrin, which corresponds to option (B).
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