Antibodies enhance ____ of bacteria and viruses because cells, such as macrophages, have receptors on their surfaces that recognize the ____ end of antibodies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antibodies enhance phagocytosis of bacteria and viruses by marking them for destruction, a process known as opsonization. Macrophages and other phagocytic cells have receptors that specifically recognize the Fc (constant) region of antibodies, which is part of the heavy chain, not the antigen-binding (variable) region or the light chain. This interaction facilitates the engulfment and destruction of the antibody-coated pathogens.

Antibodies Enhance ____ of Bacteria and Viruses Because Cells, Such