Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Immunogenicity
Immunogenicity refers to the ability of a substance, such as an antigen, to provoke an immune response in the body. This response typically involves the activation of lymphocytes and the production of antibodies. Understanding immunogenicity is crucial for distinguishing between substances that can elicit an immune response and those that cannot.
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Haptens
Haptens are small molecules that, by themselves, are not immunogenic but can become immunogenic when they bind to larger carrier proteins. This binding allows the immune system to recognize the hapten as a foreign substance, leading to an immune response. Haptens are important in understanding how certain drugs and chemicals can trigger allergic reactions.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens are substances that can independently provoke an immune response without the need for a carrier protein. They possess both immunogenic and reactive properties, meaning they can stimulate the production of antibodies and bind to them. This concept is essential for differentiating between complete antigens and haptens in immunology.
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