Difference between Antigen and Antibody

Antigen and antibodies are two very different molecular entities. Simply put, an antibody (Ab), also known as immunoglobulins, is a glycoprotein that is produced in response to and counteracts a particular antigen. On the other hand, an antigen (Ag) is a foreign substance (generally harmful) that the body recognizes as foreign and that induces an immune response, thus stimulating the production of antibodies. Difference between Antigen and Antibody

What is the difference between antigen and antibody? Difference between Antigen and Antibody

An antibody is a glycoprotein that is produced in response to and counteracts a particular antigen. An antigen is a foreign substance that induces an immune response, thus stimulating the production of antibodies.

Below, you will find a comparative table where we expand the details of the differences in these two elements

Antigens	Antibodies
Also known as immunogens	Also known as immunoglobulins
Antigens are usually lipids. However, they can also be proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.	All antibodies are proteins
Antigens cause allergic reactions or even illness	Protects against the effects of the antigen either by lysis or immobilization of the particle
Epitopes are regions of the antigen where it interacts with antibodies.	Paratopes are variable regions of an antibody that bind to an epitope.
Antigens originate outside the body.	Antibodies always originate within the body

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Mohammad Asif Goraya

M A Goraya has qualification of M.phil in Agricultural Sciences. He has almost 15 years of teaching Experience at college and university level. He likes to share his research based knowledge with his students and audience.