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Antibodies, Antibodies are also known as immunoglobulins (Ig) which are a form of protein. The body produces antibodies in response to antigens, which are substances that can cause damage or foreign particles not recognized by the body immune system such as Parasites, bacteria, cancer cells and viruses which are examples of antigens.
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IMMUNOGLOBULINS TYPES AND FUNCTION
Antigens are any substance that stimulates the immune system to produce these antibodies. Antigens can be bacteria, viruses, or fungi that cause infection and disease. The Following are some of the differences between Antibody and Antigen:
Antigen | Antibody | |
| Generally proteins but can be lipids, carbohydrates or nucleic acids. | Antibodies are proteins. | |
| Triggers the formation of antibodies. | Variable sites has the antigen binding domain. | |
| There are three basic kinds of antigens. (Exogenous, Endogenous and Autoantigens) | There are five basic kinds of antibodies. (Immunoglobulins M, G, E, D and A) | |
| The region of the antigen that interacts with the antibodies is called epitopes. | The variable region of the antibody that specially binds to an epitope is called paratope. | |
| Cause disease or allergic reactions. | Protects the body by immobilization or lysis of antigenic material. |
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