what are antibodies ? with full explanation.
Answers
Explanation:
An antibody (Ab), also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig),[1] is a large, Y-shaped protein produced mainly by plasma cells that is used by the immune system to neutralize pathogens such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The antibody recognizes a unique molecule of the pathogen, called an antigen, via the fragment antigen-binding (Fab) variable region.[2][3] Each tip of the "Y" of an antibody contains a paratope (analogous to a lock) that is specific for one particular epitope (similarly, analogous to a key) on an antigen, allowing these two structures to bind together with precision. Using this binding mechanism, an antibody can tag a microbe or an infected cell for attack by other parts of the immune system, or can neutralize its target directly (for example, by inhibiting a part of a microbe that is essential for its invasion and survival). Depending on the antigen, the binding may impede the biological process causing the disease or may activate macrophages to destroy the foreign substance. The ability of an antibody to communicate with the other components of the immune system is mediated via its Fc region (located at the base of the "Y"), which contains a conserved glycosylation site involved in these interactions.[4] The production of antibodies is the main function of the humoral immune system.[5]
Antibodies are chemical agents released by our body to fight the antigens that enter our bosh .antigens are nothing but foreign agents that enter our body.
there are few main functions of antibodies :
1) agglutination of particulate matter including bacteria and viruses
2) neutralization of toxins released by bacteria
3) opsonisation or coating over bacteria.
4)Antibodies act as an immunity barrier against the pathogens.