Antigen: An antigen is a substance that causes the body to produce antibodies as part of the immune response. Antigens can be found on the surface of cells, in the bloodstream, in the air we breathe, and in the food we eat.
Question Answer
1. What is an antigen? An antigen is a substance that causes the body to produce antibodies as part of the immune response.
2. What are the sources of antigens? Antigens can be found on the surface of cells, in the bloodstream, in the air we breathe, and in the food we eat.
3. What is an antibody? An antibody is a protein produced by the body’s immune system in response to an antigen.
4. How do antigens trigger the production of antibodies? When an antigen enters the body, it triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that recognize and bind to the antigen, thereby neutralizing or destroying it.
5. What is an antigen-antibody reaction? An antigen-antibody reaction is the binding of specific antibodies to specific antigens, which leads to the destruction or neutralization of the antigen.
6. What are the types of antigens? There are two main types of antigens: endogenous antigens, which are produced by the body itself (such as tumor antigens), and exogenous antigens, which are derived from outside sources (such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins).
7. How do antigens help the immune system? Antigens help the immune system recognize and respond to foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
8. What is the difference between an antigen and an allergen? An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response, whereas an allergen is a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
9. How do vaccines work? Vaccines contain antigens that have been altered so that they are no longer able to cause disease, but they are still able to trigger the body’s immune response. This response prepares the body to recognize and respond to the actual disease-causing agent if it enters the body in the future.
10. What is the role of antigens in blood transfusions? Blood transfusions involve the exchange of antigens between donor and recipient. In order to prevent a potentially dangerous reaction, it is important that the donor and recipient’s antigens are compatible.