Antibody - GCSE Biology Definition

An antibody is a specialised protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, that invade the body. Each antibody is unique and specific to a particular antigen, which is a molecule or part of a pathogen that triggers an immune response. Once an antibody binds to its corresponding antigen, it can help prevent the pathogen from causing harm and can signal other parts of the immune system to destroy it. In the context of GCSE Biology, antibodies are key components of the body's adaptive immune response, helping the body recognise and respond to infections and remember specific pathogens.