(c)+Antibodies+&+their+production

An //antibody// is a protein used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. Each antibody recognizes a specific antigen unique to its target.

An //antigen// is any molecule that is recognized by antibodies. Usually, an antigen is a protein or a polysaccharide, but it can be any type of molecule, even small molecules if coupled to a large carrier.

__ The main difference between an antigen and an antibody is, put simply, that an antigen causes a disease, while an antibody cures it. __


 * __ (6) Explain antibody production. //The details and names of each cell are not needed except for 5.4.5-AIDS (T-helper cells). Videos may help here// __**

There are many different types of antibodies, and each are produced by different kinds of lymphocytes. A lymphocyte recognizes one specific kind of antigen, and thus when this antigen is present in the body, the lymphocyte produced antibodies that work against that antigen. The lymphocyte recognizes its appropriate antigen as soon as it enters the organism and divides multiple times in order to have its clones also produce the suitable antibodies. The antibody can stop the antigen from being harmful by attaching itself to it. This is a way of getting rid of the disease fast, as the body is quickly flooded by the appropriate antibody. See the below video for a clear explanation: