Final answer:
Not all classes of antibodies are capable of neutralizing antigens; it is mainly IgG, IgM, and IgA that take on this role, primarily by preventing pathogens from attaching to host cells, which renders them harmless.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that all classes of antibodies are capable of neutralizing antigen is false. Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, have five main classes: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, and IgD. Each class has distinct roles in the immune system, and though they all can bind to antigens, not all classes are involved in the neutralization of antigens. Neutralization is a process where antibodies bind to pathogens or toxins to prevent them from attaching to and entering cells. This role is primarily carried out by IgG, IgM, and IgA. IgE is mostly associated with allergic responses and protection against parasites, while IgD is less understood but is involved in the activation of B cells.
Neutralization involves the antibodies binding to antigens found on bacteria, viruses, and toxins, blocking their capacity to establish infection. The specific binding of antibodies to antigens can prevent the pathogens from docking on the host cells. This effectively renders them harmless and allows the immune system to remove them through the spleen and excretory pathways.