Describe the features of an antigen, and explain what is meant by antigenic determinant.
A molecule or chemical structure that can attach to a specific antibody or T-cell receptor is referred to as an antigen (Ag) in immunology. Antigens can cause an immunological response in the body. Antigen was first used to describe a material that produces antibodies. Proteins, peptides (amino acid chains), polysaccharides (chains of monosaccharides/simple sugars), lipids, nucleic acids, and other macromolecules are all examples of antigens.
The features of antigen are: Antigens often have a high molecular weight and are composed of proteins or polysaccharides, while they can also be composed of lipids, polypeptides, or nuclear acids. Haptens are small molecules that can trigger an immunological response. These can be conjugated to a bigger carrier protein, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) or keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), as well as synthetic substrate molecules, by a chemical process.
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