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Some mobile genetic elements carry what that inactivates antibodies?

User Sujatha
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Final answer:

Certain viruses carry genes that mutate rapidly, which can inactivate antibodies by altering the virus's surface proteins and avoiding immune detection. This is well-documented in HIV. Additionally, some enzymes in our immune system are similar to those involved in the transposition of genetic elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some mobile genetic elements, specifically certain types of viruses, carry genes that mutate rapidly, leading to changes in the virus's surface proteins. Antibodies produced by the immune system may not recognize these new variations, thereby inactivating the antibodies. This is particularly evident in HIV, where the virus's rapid mutation rate allows it to escape immune detection and makes vaccine development challenging. Another aspect involves mobile genetic elements like transposons, which can have a relationship with the immune system, as seen in the history of adaptive immunity where certain enzymes involved in immunoglobulin gene rearrangement share similarities with those of transposition.

User Emil Lundberg
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