10.1.6

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

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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