A Level Biology Practice Exam

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What is the role of antibodies related to opsonins?

To destroy pathogens directly
To activate the immune system
To tag pathogens to enhance phagocytosis
To inhibit the replication of pathogens

The correct answer is: To tag pathogens to enhance phagocytosis

Antibodies play a critical role as opsonins in the immune response, specifically by tagging pathogens for destruction. When antibodies bind to the surface of pathogens, they serve as markers that promote their recognition and engulfment by phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils. This process enhances phagocytosis, making it more efficient, as phagocytes possess receptors that specifically recognize the Fc region of the bound antibodies. Thus, by marking pathogens with antibodies, opsonization effectively bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses, allowing for a targeted and heightened clearance of pathogens from the body. This highlights the importance of antibody function beyond direct pathogen destruction or the inhibition of replication, focusing on their pivotal role in enhancing the ability of immune cells to eliminate foreign invaders.