AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Each antibody can only recognize and bind one specific type of antigen. They are a type of killer T cell. They induce a specific immune response involving the adaptive immunity. Antigens are very similar to molecules found on the outside of cells.

Detailed explanation-2: -Because one antibody only recognizes a specific antigen, antibodies that attack cancer cells, for example, do not attack normal cells. This is called the “specificity” of an antibody toward that antigen.

Detailed explanation-3: -Antibodies are protective proteins produced by your immune system. They attach to antigens (foreign substances)-such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxins-and remove them from your body.

Detailed explanation-4: -There are several types of antibodies and antigens, and each antibody is capable of binding only to a specific antigen. The specificity of the binding is due to specific chemical constitution of each antibody.

Detailed explanation-5: -With protein antigens, the antibody molecule contacts the antigen over a broad area of its surface that is complementary to the surface recognized on the antigen. Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions can all contribute to binding.