AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -Antibodies (Abs) have two distinct functions: one is to bind specifically to their target antigens (Ags); the other is to elicit an immune response against the bound Ag by recruiting other cells and molecules.

Detailed explanation-3: -Antibodies are produced by specialized white blood cells called B lymphocytes (or B cells).

Detailed explanation-4: -Antibodies are immune system-related proteins called immunoglobulins. Each antibody consists of four polypeptides– two heavy chains and two light chains joined to form a “Y” shaped molecule.

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.