A Level Biology Practice Exam

What are immunoglobulins primarily responsible for in the body?

1. Producing hormones for metabolism

2. Forming antibodies to neutralize pathogens

3. Transporting oxygen through the bloodstream

4. Regulating the immune system's response

The correct answer is: Forming antibodies to neutralize pathogens

Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, play a crucial role in the immune response by specifically recognizing and binding to antigens, which are foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. This binding helps to neutralize pathogens and marks them for destruction by other immune cells. The primary responsibility of immunoglobulins is indeed to form antibodies that can deactivate pathogens, preventing infection and aiding in the overall defense mechanism of the body. While regulating the immune system's response is an important aspect of immunity, it is primarily the function of different cells and signaling molecules rather than the immunoglobulins themselves. Therefore, the high specificity of immunoglobulins in targeting and neutralizing pathogens makes them essential for the body's adaptive immune response.