Q.Mention three main functions of antibodies.

Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by plasma cells (from B-lymphocytes) that protect the body by recognising and disabling specific antigens in several ways.

Main functions:

• Neutralization: antibodies bind directly to the active sites of toxins or to the surface of viruses/bacteria, blocking their ability to bind host cells or exert harmful (toxic) effects.
• Agglutination: because each antibody has two (or more) antigen-binding sites, it can cross-link multiple antigen-bearing cells or particles into clumps, which are then more easily removed from circulation.
• Precipitation: antibodies can convert soluble antigens into insoluble immune complexes that precipitate out, facilitating their clearance. …