Describe three ways in which antibodies combat antigens.
- Agglutination; antibodies bind more than one antigen at a time. This leads to aggregation of the antigens which sops dissemination and stimulates phagocytosis.
- Precipitation; antibodies bind antigens and form antigens-antibody complexes which may precipitate and can eventually be mopped out by other means.
- Opsonisation; antibodies bind cell surface antigens on bacteria cells and makes them more susceptible to phagocytosis by phagocytic cells.
- Neutralization; the antibody binds the antigen and results in direct neutralization by inhibitions of the toxic activity of the antigen.
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
TAGS Dr. Bbosa Science
