Difference between revisions of "Antigen"
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(Definition for antigen was extremely incorrect. Antigen isn't a specialized protein, it doesn't even have to be organic.) |
m (Better word choice. Correcting myself.) |
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| − | An '''antigen''' is any foreign, or unrecognised substance that is capable of inducing an immune response, usually involving the production of [[antibodies]] which bind to, and disable, the antigen. Antigen may be a protein, protein fragment, or even | + | An '''antigen''' is any foreign, or unrecognised substance that is capable of inducing an immune response, usually involving the production of [[antibodies]] which bind to, and disable, the antigen. Antigen may be a protein, protein fragment, or even metallic particles (for example, due to wearing of a metallic hip replacement). When an antigen is injected into the bloodstream, as through vaccination, it causes the body to produce [[antibodies]]. |
[[Category:Molecular Biology]] | [[Category:Molecular Biology]] | ||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
Revision as of 02:05, July 15, 2012
An antigen is any foreign, or unrecognised substance that is capable of inducing an immune response, usually involving the production of antibodies which bind to, and disable, the antigen. Antigen may be a protein, protein fragment, or even metallic particles (for example, due to wearing of a metallic hip replacement). When an antigen is injected into the bloodstream, as through vaccination, it causes the body to produce antibodies.