Antibodies target ______ antigens.

• A. self
• B. nonspecific
• C. specific
• D. inert

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of antibodies in the immune system: antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that recognize and bind to antigens.
2. Recall that antigens are molecules or molecular structures, often on the surface of pathogens, that are recognized by the immune system.
3. Recognize that antibodies are highly selective and bind only to particular antigens that match their specific binding sites.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: 'self' antigens are usually not targeted by antibodies due to immune tolerance; 'nonspecific' and 'inert' do not describe the nature of antigen recognition by antibodies.
5. Conclude that antibodies target 'specific' antigens, meaning they bind only to antigens with a precise molecular structure complementary to the antibody's binding site.