Which of the following is NOT a major function of antibodies?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a major function of antibodies?

Antibodies mainly serve as agents that block and tag invaders for destruction. They neutralize pathogens by binding to toxins or viral particles, preventing them from attaching to and entering host cells. They also promote clearance by coating microbes, which makes them easier for phagocytes to recognize through Fc receptors (opsonization). Additionally, antibody binding can trigger the classical complement pathway, leading to lysis of the pathogen or enhanced phagocytosis. Antigen presentation, on the other hand, is carried out by antigen‑presenting cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells that process antigen and display peptide fragments on MHC molecules to T cells. Antibodies don’t perform this presenting role; they act downstream as effector molecules. So, presenting antigens is not a major function of antibodies.

Antibodies mainly serve as agents that block and tag invaders for destruction. They neutralize pathogens by binding to toxins or viral particles, preventing them from attaching to and entering host cells. They also promote clearance by coating microbes, which makes them easier for phagocytes to recognize through Fc receptors (opsonization). Additionally, antibody binding can trigger the classical complement pathway, leading to lysis of the pathogen or enhanced phagocytosis.

Antigen presentation, on the other hand, is carried out by antigen‑presenting cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells that process antigen and display peptide fragments on MHC molecules to T cells. Antibodies don’t perform this presenting role; they act downstream as effector molecules. So, presenting antigens is not a major function of antibodies.

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