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Which of the following terms refers to the process by which antibodies coat the surface of pathogens, marking them for destruction by phagocytes or complement proteins?

  • A. Opsonization
  • B. Neutralization
  • C. Agglutination
  • D. Precipitation
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Opsonization refers to the process by which antibodies bind to the surface of pathogens, marking them for destruction by phagocytes or complement proteins. This coating of antibodies enhances the ability of the immune system to recognize and eliminate the pathogens effectively. Phagocytes (such as macrophages and neutrophils) are better able to engulf and digest pathogens that have been opsonized, as the antibodies attached to the pathogen surface signal to the phagocytes that they are foreign invaders. This process is crucial in the body's immune response to infections and helps in clearing pathogens from the system.