Discuss the actions of antibodies on foreign antigens: (i) neutralisation. (ii) agglutination. (iii) precipitation. (iv) opsonisation. (v) complement fixation

Actions of Antibodies

11.2

Actions of Antibodies

Actions of Antibodies

Antigens are destroyed by antibodies through several mechanisms.

Agglutination

Antibodies coagulate the pathogens and make them an easy target to be trapped and destroyed by phagocytes.

Neutralisation

Antibodies bind will toxins produced by bacteria and neutralise the toxin.

Precipitation

Antibodies react with dissolved antigens to form an insoluble complex (precipitate) that is easuly destroyed by phagocytes.

Opsonisation

Antibodies combine with antigens and act as a marker for phagocytes to recognise the antigens and destroy them.

Lysis

Antibodies combine with antigens and cause bacteria to be broken down and decomposed.

Actions of Antibodies

11.2

Actions of Antibodies

Actions of Antibodies

Antigens are destroyed by antibodies through several mechanisms.

Agglutination

Antibodies coagulate the pathogens and make them an easy target to be trapped and destroyed by phagocytes.

Neutralisation

Antibodies bind will toxins produced by bacteria and neutralise the toxin.

Precipitation

Antibodies react with dissolved antigens to form an insoluble complex (precipitate) that is easuly destroyed by phagocytes.

Opsonisation

Antibodies combine with antigens and act as a marker for phagocytes to recognise the antigens and destroy them.

Lysis

Antibodies combine with antigens and cause bacteria to be broken down and decomposed.