3.1.11

Antibodies

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Antibodies

White blood cells produce antibodies to defend against pathogens:

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Antigens

  • Antigens are proteins found on the surface of cells.
  • White blood cells can recognise foreign antigens on the surface of pathogens and produce protein molecules called antibodies.
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Complementary shape

  • Antibodies have a complementary shape to the antigen and lock onto the pathogen, effectively ‘tagging’ them.
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Microorganisms cluster

  • This causes the microorganisms to cluster, allowing other white blood cells to come and ingest (eat) them.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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