Antibodies (Biology)

What is an antigen?

A protein/molecule on the surface of a pathogen — triggers immune response

What is an antibody?

A protein produced by white blood cells (lymphocytes) that binds to a specific antigen

What do antitoxins do?

Neutralise toxins produced by bacteria

What are memory cells?

White blood cells that stay in the blood after infection — remember the antigen for next time

Why are antibodies specific?

Each antibody has a complementary shape to fit only ONE antigen

2 things antibodies do

1. Bind to pathogens → clump them together

2. Mark them for destruction by white blood cells

What's the difference between primary and secondary response?

Primary = first time → slow, few antibodies

Secondary = memory cells → faster, more antibodies, before symptoms appear