ANTI BODIES Meaning and
Definition
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Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins, in the body. These foreign substances, known as antigens, stimulate the immune system to produce specific antibodies that bind to the antigens and help to neutralize or eliminate them.
Antibodies, also referred to as immunoglobulins, are Y-shaped molecules composed of two heavy chains and two light chains. Each antibody molecule contains a specific binding site, called the antigen-binding site, which recognizes and binds to a specific antigen with high specificity. This binding capability allows antibodies to target and immobilize antigens, marking them for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their harmful effects.
The production of antibodies is a crucial component of the adaptive immune response, which is the body's ability to recognize and remember specific antigens to mount a more rapid and effective response upon subsequent exposure. Antibodies can be produced by B cells, a type of white blood cell, following activation by antigens. Once produced, antibodies can circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream, identifying and neutralizing antigens to help protect against infections.
The functions of antibodies extend beyond direct neutralization of antigens. They also contribute to other immune responses, such as opsonization, which involves coating the surface of pathogens to enhance their recognition and elimination by immune cells, and promoting the activation of complement proteins that further aid in targeting and neutralizing antigens.
In summary, antibodies are specialized proteins that play a vital role in the immune response by recognizing, binding, and neutralizing antigens, ultimately helping to protect the body from infections and diseases.
Common Misspellings for ANTI BODIES
- antibiodies
- antibodiese
- antibodies
- anti bodies
- znti bodies
- snti bodies
- wnti bodies
- qnti bodies
- abti bodies
- amti bodies
- ajti bodies
- ahti bodies
- anri bodies
- anfi bodies
- angi bodies
- anyi bodies
- an6i bodies
- an5i bodies
- antu bodies
- antj bodies
Etymology of ANTI BODIES
The word "antibodies" is composed of two parts: "anti-" and "bodies".
The prefix "anti-" comes from the Greek word "antí", meaning "against" or "opposite". It is commonly used in English to indicate opposition or oppositional action.
The term "bodies", in this context, refers to a group or collection of substances within the body. It originates from the Old English word "bodig", which means "trunk" or "torso".
Therefore, "antibodies" literally means "substances opposing or working against the body". This term refers to proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of foreign substances (antigens) in the body, with the purpose of neutralizing or eliminating them.
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