ROLE OF ANTIBODIES (Immunoglobulin)

Question 1

Opsonization

Answer 1

Make pathogens more recognisable to phagocytes so they’re more readily engulfed
+ once bound = they can link the pathogens to the phagocytes

Question 2

Neutralisation of viruses and bacteria

Answer 2

Antibodies can prevent viruses from docking to host cells so they can’t enter the cell

Question 3

Neutralisation of toxins

Answer 3

Some antibodies can bind to toxins produced by pathogens and prevent them from affecting susceptible cells

Question 4

Activation of complement

Answer 4

“complement system” = collections of proteins which ultimately lead to the perforation of pathogen membranes

Question 5

How does the Activation of complement work?

Answer 5

+ Antibodies bound to the surface of the pathogen = activate complement cascade that leads to the formation of “membrane attack complex”
+ forms a pore in the membrane of the pathogen
→ allows water and ions to enter = causing the cells to lyse (Lysis = disintergration of cell by rupture of cell wall//membrane)

Question 6

Agglutination

Answer 6

Antibodies can cause sticking together of pathogens → prevent them from entering cells
+ Easier for the phagocytes to ingest
+ Large agglutinated mass can be filtered by the lymphatic system and then phagocytised
Is dangerous IF occurs as a result of incorrect blood transfusion