Question

Describe any patterns you observe by comparing the two data sets over the same period. Do these patterns support your hypothesis from part A? Do they prove that hypothesis? Explain.

Short answer

Yes, the patterns support the hypothesis because different types of antibodies are produced in response to the changed surface glycoproteins of trypanosomes.

The pattern proves the hypothesis because trypanosomes successfully evade the host's immune response by changing surface glycoprotein.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:Trypanosomes

Trypanosomes are eukaryotic flagellate that causes sleeping sickness. The trypanosome's surface is covered by glycoproteins that are encoded by genes that duplicate randomly.

As a result, new surface glycoproteins are synthesized on the surface of the trypanosome. Thus, the trypanosome's ever-changing surface glycoproteins benefit the organism as they can evade the immune response generated by the host.

Pattern supports the hypothesis

The pattern from part A exhibits that the life cycle of trypanosomes waxes and wanes. During the initial days of infection, the number of parasites increases. However, it decreases when antibody A specific to its glycoprotein A is produced by the immune response.

The parasites again increase in number with surface glycoprotein B, which is then recognized by the host and produces antibody B against the glycoprotein B. As a result, the number of parasites decreases again.

Pattern proves the hypothesis

The pattern suggests that trypanosomes change their glycoprotein when the immune response is generated against the surface glycoprotein to evade the immune response. By changing its surface glycoproteins to evade the immune response, the trypanosomes are able to maintain low-level infection in the host.

The pattern proves the hypothesis regarding the benefits of the trypanosome's ever-shifting surface glycoproteins and the host's immunological response.