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GCSE Combined Science · key term
A protein produced by white blood cells that binds to an antigen with a complementary shape, helping the body destroy the pathogen.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.3.1.6, 4.3.1.7 · Paper 1
Revise: Human defence systemsThey defend the body in three main ways: phagocytosis, antibody production and antitoxin production. These tackle different parts of the problem: the invading pathogen itself, its surface antigens, or the toxins it releases.
A protein produced by white blood cells that binds to a specific pathogen and helps the body destroy it.
Antigens are on a pathogen’s surface; antibodies are produced by white blood cells and bind to matching antigens.
Non-specific defences act against many different pathogens. Antibody production is specific to particular antigens.
Link the steps: dead or inactive pathogen → white blood cells produce specific antibodies → faster production of the correct antibodies if the same pathogen enters again.
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Paper 1, Paper 2
A protein produced by lymphocytes that binds to a particular antigen because its binding site has a complementary shape.
Revise: Immune System and DefencesExposure to a pathogen’s antigens triggers suitable lymphocytes to multiply and produce antibodies. This takes time during a first infection, so the pathogen may multiply and cause symptoms before the response brings it under control.