Final answer:
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that match specific antigens based on their shape. The binding between antibodies and antigens is a key step in the immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a specific antigen. These antibodies have a unique molecular structure that allows them to bind specifically to the corresponding antigen based on their shape. The binding between antibodies and antigens is a key step in the immune response, as it helps to identify and neutralize pathogens or other foreign substances in the body.
For example, when a pathogen enters the body, it carries specific antigens on its surface. The immune system produces antibodies that are complementary in shape to these antigens. The binding between antibodies and antigens leads to the destruction of the pathogen by other immune cells or through other immune mechanisms.
The specificity of antibodies to their corresponding antigens is part of a process called clonal selection. During clonal selection, B cells in the immune system generate a large number of different antibodies, each with a unique antigen-binding site. When an antigen matches with a specific antibody, it triggers the activation and proliferation of the B cell, leading to the production of more antibodies and memory B cells for future immune responses.