Antibodies and How They Work
Part of Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies — GCSE Biology
This deep dive covers Antibodies and How They Work within Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies for GCSE Biology. Specific immune responses, antibody production, lymphocytes, memory cells It is section 4 of 15 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 15
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Antibodies and How They Work
Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by plasma cells. Each antibody is complementary to one specific antigen — like a key fitting a lock. This makes them highly specific to one pathogen.
What antibodies do:
- Tag pathogens for destruction: Antibodies bind to antigens on a pathogen's surface, marking it so that phagocytes can recognise and engulf it
- Neutralise toxins: Antibodies (called antitoxins when they target toxins) bind to toxins released by bacteria, preventing them from causing harm
- Cause agglutination: Antibodies can clump pathogens together, making them easier for phagocytes to destroy
Key point: Antibodies do NOT directly kill pathogens. They tag or neutralise them — the actual destruction is carried out by phagocytes.