A Level Biology Practice Exam

What role do antibodies play in the immune response?

1. They kill pathogens directly

2. They signal other immune cells to act

3. They inhibit the replication of viruses

4. They bind to pathogens to neutralize them

The correct answer is: They bind to pathogens to neutralize them

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response by binding to pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, to neutralize them. This binding helps to block the pathogen's ability to infect cells and can mark them for destruction by other immune components. The specific structure of antibodies allows them to recognize and attach to specific antigens present on pathogens, which is essential for targeting infections effectively. While antibodies can also play roles in signaling immune cells and potentially inhibiting viral replication as part of other immune processes, their primary and most direct action is in binding to pathogens to prevent infection and assist in their removal from the body.