Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Which organisms are known to produce beneficial antibodies for humans?

1. Bacteria

2. Viruses

3. Molds

4. Protozoa

The correct answer is: Molds

Molds are known to produce beneficial antibodies for humans, particularly penicillin, which is derived from the mold Penicillium. This was one of the first antibiotics discovered and has had a significant impact on medicine by treating bacterial infections. The capability of certain molds to synthesize these compounds has led to important developments in pharmaceutical treatments and has saved countless lives. While bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are involved in various interactions with humans, they do not primarily produce antibodies that are beneficial for human health. In fact, many bacteria can be pathogenic, causing disease, and viruses do not produce antibodies at all; rather, they can elicit an immune response that may involve the production of antibodies by the host. Protozoa can also cause diseases, and while they may be targets for certain treatments, they do not produce beneficial antibodies for human use like molds do. Thus, molds are specifically recognized for their role in yielding important medicinal compounds.