Which of the following best describes what happens when antibodies and antigens bind together in the immune response?

• A. The antigen is neutralized or marked for destruction by immune cells.
• B. The antibody becomes inactive and cannot function further.
• C. The antigen is converted into an antibody.
• D. The binding prevents the immune system from recognizing the antigen.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of antibodies and antigens in the immune response: Antigens are foreign molecules that trigger an immune response, while antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that specifically bind to antigens.
2. Recognize that when an antibody binds to an antigen, it does not inactivate itself or convert the antigen into an antibody; rather, it forms an antigen-antibody complex.
3. Know that the binding of antibodies to antigens can neutralize the antigen by blocking its ability to infect cells or function properly.
4. Realize that the antigen-antibody complex also marks the antigen for destruction by other immune cells, such as phagocytes, through processes like opsonization.
5. Conclude that the best description of what happens is that the antigen is neutralized or marked for destruction by immune cells, facilitating the immune system's ability to eliminate the threat.