Antitoxins - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

Published

Antitoxins are specialised proteins produced by the immune system that neutralise toxins released by pathogens, such as certain bacteria and viruses. They are a type of antibody that specifically binds to toxins, making them harmless and preventing them from damaging cells. Antitoxins play an important role in the immune response, helping the body to fight infections and protect against disease. Understanding how antitoxins work is important in GCSE Biology when studying the human immune system and how the body defends itself against harmful microorganisms.

Examiner-written GCSE Biology revision resources that improve your grades 2x

  • Written by expert teachers and examiners
  • Aligned to exam specifications
  • Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
GCSE Biology revision resources

Share this article

Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now