Question 66 of 70
Q.Explain three main functions of free antibodies produced by B-lymphocytes.
Maharashtra MsbshseMaharashtra HSC (MSBSHSE) Board 2023Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Free antibodies produced by B-lymphocytes act by neutralisation (blocking toxins/pathogens), agglutination (clumping antigens together) and opsonisation (coating pathogens to enhance phagocytosis).
Antibodies protect the body mainly through neutralisation, agglutination and opsonisation (and complement activation).
B-lymphocytes, upon activation, differentiate into plasma cells that secrete free (soluble) antibodies into blood and lymph, which combat pathogens/antigens in three main ways:
- Neutralisation: Antibodies bind directly to toxins, viruses or bacterial surface molecules, blocking their active sites and preventing them from attaching to or entering host cells, thereby rendering them harmless.
- Agglutination: Because each antibody has more than one antigen-binding site, antibodies can cross-link multiple antigen-bearing particles (such as bacteria) together into large clumps, which immobilises them and makes them easier for phagocytic cells to engulf and remove. …
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