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If antibodies and antigens can bind together, which statement is true of antigens?

a) Antigens are glycoprotein free floating in the body
b) They are molecules capable of triggering an immune reaction
c) Antigens bind to cells to protect them from destruction
d) They are molecules only present in newborns

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Antigens are molecules that can trigger an immune reaction and bind with antibodies.


Step-by-step explanation:

Antigens are molecules capable of triggering an immune reaction. They can be proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, or nucleic acids found on the surface of cells or foreign substances. When antibodies bind to antigens, they help initiate immune responses to neutralize or eliminate the antigens.

For example, when a virus enters our body, the antigens on its surface trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies that bind to the viral antigens and help eliminate the virus.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct statement about antigens.


Learn more about Antigens and antibodies

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