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Antibodies are proteins that (A) break down pathogens - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 2
Antibodies are proteins that (A) break down pathogens. (B) bind with a specific antigen. (C) catalyse biochemical reactions. (D) are produced by T cells to kill ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Antibodies are proteins that (A) break down pathogens - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
B) bind with a specific antigen.
Answer
Antibodies are specialized proteins that play a critical role in the immune response. Their primary function is to bind specifically to antigens, which are foreign substances like pathogens that enter the body. This binding mechanism allows the immune system to recognize and neutralize harmful invaders effectively.
The incorrect options are:
- A: While antibodies assist in neutralizing pathogens, they do not break them down directly.
- C: Antibodies do not catalyze biochemical reactions; this role is typically held by enzymes.
- D: T cells are responsible for killing infected cells, but antibodies are produced by B cells, not T cells.