Answer to Question #97329 in Cell Biology for Abhishek

Question

Explain the role of antibodies in the detection of biomolecules .

Answer 1

Antibodies are protein molecules that bind to specific biomolecules (i.e., proteins, lipopolysaccharides, glycolipids, etc.) with relatively high affinity. Multiple weak noncovalent interactions mediate the interaction between antibodies and biomolecules. In the human body, antibodies bind to antigens present on the surface of the pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms. The interactions between antibodies and these antigens help to neutralize the pathogen, stimulate the aggregation of the biomolecules or pathogens attracting phagocytes, activate complement pathway providing the lysis of bacterial cells. The maturation of immune cells is associated with the differentiation and selection of antibodies that do not bind to their own biomolecules. As a result, free and antibodies associated with immune cells recognize antigens triggering the processes of their elimination.