Antibody Functions Include All Of The Following Except ________.
Antibody Functions Include All Of The Following Except ________
Answer: Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of antigens like viruses, bacteria, or other harmful substances. They play a crucial role in recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. The main functions of antibodies include:
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Neutralization: Antibodies can neutralize toxins produced by bacteria or viruses. They do this by binding to the toxin and preventing it from damaging healthy cells.
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Opsonization: Antibodies can mark pathogens for destruction by immune cells. This process, called opsonization, enhances the ability of immune cells to recognize and engulf the pathogens.
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Agglutination: Antibodies can clump together, or agglutinate, pathogens like bacteria, making it easier for immune cells to locate and destroy them.
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Complement Activation: Antibodies can trigger the complement system, a series of proteins that enhance the immune response by promoting inflammation, attracting immune cells, and directly destroying pathogens.
The function that antibodies do not include is directly destroying pathogens. While antibodies can mark pathogens for destruction and trigger mechanisms like complement activation, their primary role is not to directly destroy pathogens. Instead, they facilitate the immune system’s response to invaders.