Antibodies
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.1.11
Antibodies
White blood cells produce antibodies to defend against pathogens:
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.
Test yourself on Antibodies
White Blood Cells
Why does the clustering of pathogens caused by antibodies help the body fight infection?