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Biology vocabulary · Animal Biology and Physiology

Antibody

Meaning in biology, with examples

/ˈæntiˌbɑːdi/nounCommon term

In biology, antibody means: A Y-shaped protein made by B cells of the immune system that recognizes and binds to a specific antigen, such as part of a virus, and marks it for destruction.

In Turkish: antikor

How it is used

Also called an immunoglobulin (Ig), with classes such as IgG and IgM. Antibodies are also key lab tools: researchers use primary and secondary antibodies to detect proteins in Western blots, ELISA and immunostaining.

Example sentences

  1. After vaccination, the body produces antibodies against the virus.

  2. We used a primary antibody against the protein and a fluorescent secondary antibody.

Common collocations

  • produce antibodies
  • primary antibody
  • secondary antibody
  • monoclonal antibody
  • antibody test
  • immune systemThe network of cells, tissues and organs that protects the body from pathogens and other harmful substances, and remembers threats it has met before.
  • proteinA large molecule made of one or more chains of amino acids folded into a specific shape. Proteins build cell structures, speed up reactions and carry signals.
  • pathogenA microorganism or virus that causes disease in its host, such as certain bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
  • virusA tiny infectious particle made of genetic material (DNA or RNA) inside a protein coat. It can only make copies of itself inside a living host cell.

More terms: Animal Biology and Physiology

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