You are studying a mouse strain with a mutation in the alpha constant region of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain. To determine the result of this mutation on the animal, what can you assay? (Check all that apply.)

Question

_____  binding of IgG to common blood pathogens
_____  binding of IgA to common mucosal pathogens
_____  diversity of the IgG variable region
_____  IgA titer in the gastrointestinal tract
_____  IgG titer in serum
_____  IgG titer in the gastrointestinal tract
_____  susceptibility to common respiratory pathogens


Clarify Question
What is the key concept addressed by the question?
What type of thinking is required?
 
Gather Content
What do you already know about the alpha constant region of the heavy chain? What other information is related to the question?
 
Choose Answer
Given what you now know, what information is most likely to produce the correct answer?
 
Reflect on Process
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

_____  binding of IgG to common blood pathogens
__X__  binding of IgA to common mucosal pathogens
_____  diversity of the IgG variable region
__X__  IgA titer in the gastrointestinal tract
_____  IgG titer in serum
__X__  IgG titer in the gastrointestinal tract
__X__  susceptibility to common respiratory pathogens


Clarify Question
What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        · This question is asking about the function of the alpha constant region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain.
What type of thinking is required?
        · Evaluate level:
            o This question is asking you to weigh and judge, or evaluate, the role of the alpha constant region of the heavy chain of an immunoglobulin.
 
Gather Content
What do you already know about the alpha constant region of the heavy chain? What other information is related to the question?
        · The alpha constant region, when bound to a light chain, gives rise to A antibodies.
        · A antibodies are the most abundant antibodies in secretions.
 
Choose Answer
Given what you now know, what information is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        · G antibody production is not related to the production of A antibodies.
        · The results of the described mutation could be assayed by observing the binding of IgA to common mucosal pathogens, and by checking susceptibility to common respiratory pathogens.
        · Alternatively, an IgA titer in the gastrointestinal tract would also reveal the effect of the mutation.
 
Reflect on Process
Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
Choose from the following samples to streamline your writing:
        · Evaluate level:
            o Answering this question correctly depended on your ability to weigh and judge, or evaluate, a mutation in the alpha constant region of a heavy chain. If you got an incorrect answer, did you remember that the alpha constant region in combination with a light chain gives rise to an A antibody? Did you have trouble weighing the merits of antibody production to determine the correct answer?