What do anti-toxins do?

What do anti-toxins do?

• A. Break down pathogens
• B. Kill bacteria directly
• C. Stimulate antibody production
• D. Neutralise toxins released by bacteria

Answer: (D)

Antitoxins are antibodies that neutralize toxins released by bacteria. They bind specifically to the toxin molecules, blocking their ability to interact with cells or enzymes and preventing the harmful effects the toxin would normally cause. This stops the damage even if the bacteria are still present. They don’t break down pathogens or kill bacteria directly, and they aren’t primarily about stimulating the body to make its own antibodies (they can provide immediate protection by supplying ready-made antibodies, i.e., passive immunity). So the best description is that antitoxins neutralise toxins released by bacteria.

Antitoxins are antibodies that neutralize toxins released by bacteria. They bind specifically to the toxin molecules, blocking their ability to interact with cells or enzymes and preventing the harmful effects the toxin would normally cause. This stops the damage even if the bacteria are still present. They don’t break down pathogens or kill bacteria directly, and they aren’t primarily about stimulating the body to make its own antibodies (they can provide immediate protection by supplying ready-made antibodies, i.e., passive immunity). So the best description is that antitoxins neutralise toxins released by bacteria.