Chapter 21.3, Problem 6AYLO

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Haptens and how they become antigenic.

Introduction:

For all living organisms, there is a challenge for surviving by defeating the entire pathogenic organism. The human body kills the pathogen or eliminates the foreign particles by an organized system called the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system or immune system consists of a group of cells or immune cells that inhabit all the organs of the body. The lymphatic system includes lymphatic organs and a group of lymphatic tissues that are involved in the immune system.

An antigen is any substance (molecule) that stimulates an immune response. Free molecules such as toxins, venom, and food substances act as antigens. Other antigens include components of bacterial cell wall and plasma membrane.