Questions: The coating of pathogens by antibodies to enhance phagocytosis is referred to as
Multiple Choice
neutralization.
precipitation.
opsonization.
agglutination.
Transcript text: The coating of pathogens by antibodies to enhance phagocytosis is referred to as
Multiple Choice
neutralization.
precipitation.
opsonization.
agglutination.
Solution
The answer is the third one (or C): opsonization.
Explanation for each option:
Neutralization: This is the process by which antibodies bind to pathogens or toxins, neutralizing their harmful effects by preventing them from interacting with host cells. It does not directly enhance phagocytosis.
Precipitation: This involves antibodies binding to soluble antigens, causing them to form insoluble complexes that can be more easily removed from the body. While it helps in clearing antigens, it is not specifically about enhancing phagocytosis.
Opsonization: This is the process where antibodies coat the surface of a pathogen, marking it for destruction and enhancing its uptake and destruction by phagocytes. This directly enhances phagocytosis.
Agglutination: This involves antibodies causing pathogens to clump together, making them easier targets for phagocytes. While it aids in the immune response, it is not specifically the process of enhancing phagocytosis through coating.
Summary:
The coating of pathogens by antibodies to enhance phagocytosis is referred to as opsonization.