Concept explainers
Allergy and atopy might have evolved in human populations that have had a “sudden” decrease in
- a. vaccinations.
- b. exposure to vitamin D.
- c. exposure to helminth infections.
- d. intake of processed sugar.

Introduction:
Allergy is type of hypersensitivity condition of the immune system generally in response to harmless substances present in the environment. These substances are termed as allergens. Allergic diseases include atopic dermatitis, food allergies, hay fever, and so many.
Answer to Problem 1Q
Correct answer:
Atopy and allergy might have evolved in human populations that have had a sudden decrease in exposure to helminth infections.
Therefore, option (c) is correct.
Option (c) is given as “exposure to helminth infections”.
Explanation of Solution
Justify reasons for the correct statement:
Atopy refers to chronic local allergies. Atopy and allergy evolved in human populations that had a sudden reduction in exposure to helminth infections. This is because the components that produce allergic response were known to defend against helminths and other human parasites.
Hence, option (b) is correct.
Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:
Option (a) is given as “vaccinations”.
Vaccinations were never given in huge amounts. It is not possible that a sudden reduction in vaccination might induce atopy and allergy. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Option (c) is given as “exposure to vitamin D”.
Reduction in vitamin D is not associated with the development of allergies and atopy. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Option (d) is given as “intake of processed sugar”.
Reduction in the intake of processed sugar did not induce atopy and allergy in human populations. Hence, it is a wrong answer.
Hence, options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
Allergy and atopy evolved in human populations that have had a sudden reduction in exposure to helminth infections.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 14 Solutions
MICROBIOLOGY FUND.:CLINICAL APPR-ACCESS
- Explain in a small summary how: What genetic information can be obtained from a Punnet square? What genetic information cannot be determined from a Punnet square? Why might a Punnet Square be beneficial to understanding genetics/inheritance?arrow_forwardIn a small summary write down:arrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forward
- Noggin mutation: The mouse, one of the phenotypic consequences of Noggin mutationis mispatterning of the spinal cord, in the posterior region of the mouse embryo, suchthat in the hindlimb region the more ventral fates are lost, and the dorsal Pax3 domain isexpanded. (this experiment is not in the lectures).a. Hypothesis for why: What would be your hypothesis for why the ventral fatesare lost and dorsal fates expanded? Include in your answer the words notochord,BMP, SHH and either (or both of) surface ectoderm or lateral plate mesodermarrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forwardNot part of a graded assignment, from a past midtermarrow_forward
- Basic Clinical Lab Competencies for Respiratory C...NursingISBN:9781285244662Author:WhitePublisher:CengageConcepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeHuman Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Comprehensive Medical Assisting: Administrative a...NursingISBN:9781305964792Author:Wilburta Q. Lindh, Carol D. Tamparo, Barbara M. Dahl, Julie Morris, Cindy CorreaPublisher:Cengage Learning



