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antibody |
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| A protein secreted by a B cell as part of the body\'. immune response. Antibodies are produced in response to foreign substances entering the body and react with such invaders, rendering them harmless. Antibody reactions are highly specific: a useful analogy is that of a key (the foreign substance or antigen) fitting into a lock (the antibody). Lymphocytes produce a wide variety of highly specific antibodies; the reason lies in the V segment of the genes coding for the proteins concerned. Monoclonal antibodies are particularly pure, and are derived from cells called hybridomas which are the result of fusing antibody-secreting cells with tumour cells. Hybridomas can be cultured indefinitely and screened so that each cell line produces only one kind of antibody. Monoclonal antibodies have a wide range of applications as tools for diagnosis and immunization, and for tracing molecules used in biological experiments. They can also be used to target radioactive or cytotoxic agents (those poisonous to cells) to specific cells in the treatment of cancers. |
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| Other Terms : Pitot tube | electromagnetic pump | CFC
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