2006-11-20 11:37:18 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
An antibody or immunoglobulin is a large Y-shaped protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen unique to its target. This is because at the two tips of its "Y", it has structures akin to locks. Every lock only has one key, in this case, its own antigen. When the key is inserted into the lock, the antibody attaches, tagging the microbe or an infected cell for attack by other parts of the immune system or by directly neutralizing its target (i.e. blocking a part of the microbe that is essential for its invasion and survival). The production of antibodies is the main function of the humoral immune system.
Antibodies are proteins made by a B-cell which can recognize and attach to specific sites on antigens to block their effect. Studying this ability to target and bind to other molecules holds promise for researchers.
2006-11-20 11:42:03 · answer #1 · answered by Melvin W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Antibodies are what we would have if the polarity of the universe suddenly reversed
2006-11-20 11:38:32 · answer #2 · answered by birdman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are the oposite of bodies. if you find a woman with an anti-body equal in mass to your body and you touch you will both anhilate eachother like when mater and anti-mater touch.
2006-11-20 12:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by dread pirate lavenderbeard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is a large y shaped protein used by the inmune system to identify and retard bacteria etc in the body!!!
2006-11-20 11:42:04 · answer #4 · answered by fuzzykjun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are T-cells produced by bone marrow they are part of the autoimmune system
2006-11-20 12:18:55 · answer #5 · answered by Katie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
???
2006-11-20 11:38:25 · answer #6 · answered by juliana r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋