OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is a major disadvantage of replacing human or animal heart valves?

A major advantage is increased longevity
The procedure is minimally invasive
The immune system may reject the transplant
It requires no follow-up care

The correct answer is: The immune system may reject the transplant

Replacing human or animal heart valves carries the significant risk that the recipient's immune system may recognize the new valve as a foreign object. This recognition can lead to an immune response that aims to attack and reject the transplanted valve, potentially resulting in complications such as valve malfunction or failure. This rejection is particularly a concern with animal valves, as the body may see them as a more distinct foreign entity compared to a human valve. In contrast, other options present characteristics that do not represent disadvantages. Increased longevity refers to the potential benefits of such a procedure, while a minimally invasive procedure is generally seen as advantageous for recovery. Additionally, follow-up care is typically necessary to monitor the patient's health and address any ongoing issues, so suggesting no follow-up care misrepresents the reality of post-operative management. Each of these factors underscores the complexity and risks involved in heart valve replacement, emphasizing why the immune response is a critical disadvantage to consider.