Antibody Specificity Flashcards

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What is an antigen?

A small marker molecule on the surface of a cell or pathogen. It can trigger an immune response.

What is an antibody?

A protein made by some white blood cells. It can stick to a specific antigen.

What does it mean to say antibodies are specific?

Each type of antibody can bind to only one type of antigen. The shapes must match.

What part of an antibody makes it specific to an antigen?

The binding site at the tip of the antibody. Its shape fits only one antigen.

What model is used to show how an antibody fits an antigen?

The lock and key model. The antibody is like a key and the antigen is like a lock.

Why does your body need many different antibodies?

Because different pathogens have different antigens. Each pathogen needs its own matching antibody.

Why will an antibody for measles not usually work against flu?

The measles and flu viruses have different antigens. The measles antibody does not fit the flu antigen.

How does antibody specificity help the body tell self from non-self?

Antibodies are made to fit antigens on foreign cells. They do not usually bind to your own body cells.

What happens when an antibody binds to its specific antigen?

It marks the pathogen for destruction. It can cause clumping or help other white blood cells attack.

How does antibody specificity help vaccines protect you?

Vaccines contain antigens from a pathogen. Your body makes antibodies that are specific to that pathogen.