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ANTIBODY - Noun: A protein substance produced in the blood or tissues of animals or man that destroys or weakens bacteria or neutralises the poisons they produce. B-cells (one of the lymphocytes) manufacture a Y shaped protein called an " immunoglobulin " or "antibody". The antibody zeroes in on the antigen and attaches to the surface of the invading cell. The antibody then summons the " complement system" which is a group of proteins circulating in the bloodstream, to surround the invading cell and dissolve a hole in it. When the invader is destroyed, other white blood cells clean up the remains of the destroyed cell and the activity is ended.
* See Antigen for picture
- Greek - anti = opposing +
- German - körper = body or substance
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