Antigens and antibodies
Invading microorganisms have A marker on a microorganism that causes the body to produce antibodies. on their surface that the human body can recognise as being foreign - meaning not belonging to it.
When the body recognises a foreign antigen, lymphocytes (white blood cells) produce A chemical produced by a lymphocyte in response to an antigen., which are complementary in shape to the antigen.
An antibody will only work on one type of microorganism because of this Shapes that fit together like jigsaw pieces. nature.
Antibodies Prevent something from moving. microorganisms by clumping them together.
Immobilisation of the microorganism reduces symptoms and prevents the spread of infection.
The clump of microorganisms is then destroyed by The process of the ingestion of bacteria or other material by phagocytes.
Phagocytosis is when a phagocyte (white blood cell) engulfs and digests the microorganisms.
Proteins that act as biological catalysts, meaning they speed up reactions without being used up themselves. within the phagocyte digest the microorganism.