23.13: Introduction to Antibodies
- Page ID
- 44239
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Describe the structure and function of antibodies
An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig), is a protein that is produced by plasma cells after stimulation by an antigen. Antibodies are the functional basis of humoral immunity. Antibodies occur in the blood, in gastric and mucus secretions, and in breast milk. Antibodies in these bodily fluids can bind pathogens and mark them for destruction by phagocytes before they can infect cells.
What You’ll Learn to Do
- Describe the structure of antibodies
- Identify the different classes of antibodies
- Describe the function of antibodies
- Describe immunodeficiency and hypersensitivity
Learning Activities
The learning activities for this section include the following:
- Antibody Structure
- Antibody Classes
- Antibody Functions
- Disruptions in the Immune System
- Self Check: Antibodies
Contributors and Attributions
CC licensed content, Original
- Introduction to Antibodies. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
CC licensed content, Shared previously
- Biology. Provided by: OpenStax CNX. Located at: http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72e-48f5-b51e-f14f21b5eabd@10.8. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72...f21b5eabd@10.8