Why are primates valuable in biomedical research according to the material?

• A. They share immunological similarities with humans and are susceptible to similar diseases
• B. They have identical DNA to humans
• C. They are cheaper to maintain than other models
• D. They do not require ethical review

Answer: (A)

Primates are valuable in biomedical research because their immune systems and overall biology are more similar to humans than those of most other animals, so they respond to infections, vaccines, and therapies in ways that closely mirror human outcomes. This close similarity allows scientists to study disease mechanisms, immune responses, and treatment effects in a model that provides highly relevant translational insights. They are not genetically identical to humans, though many primates share a very high level of genetic similarity, which aids relevance but doesn’t erase species differences. Primates are generally more costly to maintain and require rigorous ethical review, so they’re used when the translational value justifies the resources and oversight.