what is the difference between antigens and antibodies?
Asked by honey_physics | 13th Dec, 2008, 04:35: PM
Expert Answer:
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 recognised 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 (haptens).
The antigen causes the disease, the antibody acts against the disease.
Antibody is produced by the body whereas antigen is a foreign body.
Answered by | 14th Dec, 2008, 08:54: PM
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