Q.30

Question

What are the benefits and costs of antibody cross reactivity? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
  • Benefits of antibody cross reactivity is enhances the sensitivity of the result and allows for the detection of antigens with low abundance.
  • A potential cost of cross reactivity is an antibody response to parts of the body in addition to the appropriate antigen.
1Step 1. Introduction

Antibody, also called immunoglobulin, a protective protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance, called an antigen.

2Step 2. Explanation

The benefits and costs of antibody cross reactivity are :-

  • Cross reactivity of antibodies can be beneficial when it allows an individual's immune system to respond to an array of similar pathogens after being exposed to just one of them. 


  • A potential cost of cross reactivity is an antibody response to parts of the body in addition to the appropriate antigen.