How Do Antibodies Function?
Antibodies are substances found in the blood and bodily fluids. They are used by the immune system to fight any disease that enters the body. Antibodies work by identifying and neutralizing foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. Based on the structure, antibodies are divided into three main classifications -- monomer, dimer and pentamer. Further, antibodies play a vital role in protecting the body from contracting disease. They are present in white blood corpuscles and facilitate immunization. They are also referred to as immunoglobulins.
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Structure and Position
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Antibodies are small molecules that are present in the blood and facilitate immunization. A typical antibody molecule is Y-shaped. These antibodies are found in the White Blood Corpuscles component of blood. These components of blood perform the function of immunization. They are known to protect the body from infectious diseases.
Formation of Antibodies
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Antibodies can also be used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Whenever an antigen enters the body and causes disease, specific and respective antibodies for the disease are released into the white blood corpuscles to fight the disease. Thereafter, the same disease cannot affect the body, as the antibodies are present in the blood cells and will fight it. So, during immunization through external sources like injections, the doctor injects a virus-causing disease so that antibodies towards that disease will be formed in the blood cells.
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Activation
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The main function of antibodies is to bind with foreign agents like viruses and bacteria in order to prevent them from harming the body. When foreign agents enter the body, they are capable of moving to the nucleus of the body's cell and multiplying themselves. Antibodies bind to the entire cell. This binding keeps the bacteria or virus from reaching the body's cell. This process is also called agglutination.
Protect Internal Organs
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Yet another function of antibodies is to protect the internal organs of the body. As such, antibodies are present in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems as well as the urinary tracts, tear ducts, mammary glands, and saliva glands. Such a widespread presence helps them protect unprotected parts of the body.
Prevent Allergic Infections
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The antibodies also produce granulocytes which help in protecting the body from allergic infections. Allergic infections can trigger inflammation and skin rashes. Antibodies fight against such allergic antigens by releasing chemicals that neutralize the antigens.
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