SURFACE ANTIGENS Meaning and
Definition
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Surface antigens, also known as cell surface markers or cell surface proteins, refer to molecules that are present on the outer membrane of cells. These antigens serve as identification markers, allowing the body to distinguish between its own cells and foreign substances. They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including immune responses, cell recognition, and communication.
Surface antigens are typically proteins or glycoproteins embedded within the cell membrane. They can be classified into different types based on their functions and structures. For instance, blood group antigens determine the specific blood type of an individual, while human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are essential for immune responses, aiding in the recognition of self and non-self cells.
These antigens are particularly important in the field of immunology. Immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, express special receptors that can recognize and bind to specific surface antigens on foreign cells or pathogens. This triggers an immune response, leading to the destruction or neutralization of the invader. Surface antigens can also act as targets for vaccines or diagnostic tests, as they can elicit an immune response or indicate the presence of certain diseases.
Understanding surface antigens is essential in medical research, as they can provide valuable information about the functioning of different cell types, tissue compatibility, and the development of diseases. By studying surface antigens, scientists can gain insights into the complex interactions between cells and design targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, that specifically target cells expressing particular surface antigens.
Common Misspellings for SURFACE ANTIGENS
- aurface antigens
- zurface antigens
- xurface antigens
- durface antigens
- eurface antigens
- wurface antigens
- syrface antigens
- shrface antigens
- sjrface antigens
- sirface antigens
- s8rface antigens
- s7rface antigens
- sueface antigens
- sudface antigens
- sufface antigens
- sutface antigens
- su5face antigens
- su4face antigens
- surdace antigens
- surcace antigens
Etymology of SURFACE ANTIGENS
The word "surface antigens" can be broken down as follows:
1. Surface: Derived from the Middle English word "surface" which came from the Old French word "surface" meaning "outer or upper part of something". It ultimately originated from the Latin word "superficies" which means "superficial" or "uppermost part".
2. Antigens: Derived from the combination of two words: "anti-" and "gen". "Anti-" comes from the Greek word "anti" meaning "against" or "opposite". "Gen" is derived from the Greek word "gennan" meaning "to produce" or "to generate". In medical terminology, "antigen" refers to a substance that stimulates an immune response in the body, usually by activating the production of antibodies.
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