IGCSE Biology 3 Views 1 Answers
State that specific antibodies have complementary shapes which fit specific antigens
State that specific antibodies have complementary shapes which fit specific antigens
Answer
Specific antibodies have complementary shapes that fit specific antigens. This complementarity is crucial for the immune response, as it allows antibodies to recognize and bind to their target antigens with high specificity.
Key Points:
- Antigen-Antibody Interaction: Each antibody is designed to bind to a specific antigen, which is a unique molecule or structure found on the surface of pathogens. The binding occurs at the antibody’s variable region, known as the paratope, which has a shape that perfectly matches the shape of the corresponding antigen (epitope).
- Shape Complementarity: The concept of shape complementarity means that the physical structure of the antibody and antigen must fit together like a lock and key. This precise fit ensures that antibodies can effectively recognize and neutralize pathogens.
- Immune Response Activation: When an antibody binds to its specific antigen, it can lead to various immune responses, including direct destruction of the pathogen or marking it for destruction by other immune cells, such as phagocytes.
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