Which of the following statements is not true? a. An...

Which of the following statements is not true?
a. An antibody has more than one antigen-binding site.
b. An antigen can have different epitopes.
c. A lymphocyte has receptors for multiple and different antigens.
d. A bacterium has more than one antigen.

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Key Concepts

Bacterial Antigenicity

Bacteria can present multiple antigens on their surfaces, as they consist of various molecules such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. These multiple antigenic determinants can be recognized by the immune system, eliciting a complex immune response.

Lymphocyte Receptor Specificity

Lymphocytes, such as B cells and T cells, express receptors that are highly specific to a single antigenic determinant. This specificity is established during lymphocyte development, and each lymphocyte typically has receptors for only one antigen, not multiple different antigens.

Antibody Structure

Antibodies are Y-shaped molecules with at least two identical antigen-binding sites. This bivalency allows them to bind two copies of the same epitope simultaneously, which helps in cross-linking antigens and enhancing immune complex formation.

Antigen and Epitope

An antigen is any substance that can be recognized by the immune system, and it may contain multiple epitopes, which are specific regions or sites that are recognized by specific antibodies or lymphocyte receptors. This allows a single antigen to elicit a diverse immune response.

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