Antibodies
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.3.15
Antibodies
Lymphocytes produce antibodies to defend against pathogens:
Antigens
- Antigens are proteins found on the surface of cells.
- Lymphocytes 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
Why might an antibody produced to target Salmonella bacteria not work against a bacteria that causes gonorrhoea?
Producing Antibodies