IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A hapten is essentially an incomplete antigen. These small molecules can elicit an immune response only when attached to a large carrier such as a protein; the carrier typically does not illicit an immune response by itself. Many hapten carriers are normal molecules that circulate through the body.

Detailed explanation-2: -The main difference between an antigen and a hapten is that an antigen is a complete molecule that can trigger an immune response by itself whereas a hapten is an incomplete molecule that cannot trigger an immune response by itself. Antigen and hapten are two types of immunogens that can trigger immune responses.

Detailed explanation-3: -A partial/incomplete antigen (haptens) are substances which are incapable of inducing antibody formation by themselves, but can be capable of inducing antibodies on combining with larger molecules which serve as carriers.