How do antibodies work?

Foreign cells that enter the body have antigens on the outside of them which will be complementary to a specific antibody. The antibody can bind to the antigen, forming an antigen-antibody complex, and this causes agglutination of the pathogens so they can be destroyed more easily by phagocytosis, carried out by macrophages. The pathogen is engulfed and held within a phagocytic vacuole, which fuses with a lysosome that contains lysozymes. These lysozymes are enzymes which can break down the pathogen and allow the antigens to be presented by the phagocyte, activating B cells and T cells. Antibodies also neutralise toxins released by pathogens using antitoxins.

More antibodies are produced when B cells are activated by the antigens being presented by these antigen-presenting cells. One B cell divides into plasma cells, which can all produce many monoclonal antibodies against the specific antigen.

Answered by LORNA B. Biology tutor

6364 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Most cases of scarlet fever occur in children. Adults have usually developed immunity to a toxin that the Streptococcus bacteria produce during infection. Explain how an adult develops immunity.


Explain the process of osmosis giving an example of why it is important for cell function.


Explain the processes of translocation and transpiration in plants (6 marks)


What is the process of natural selection?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences