Precipitin
Precipitin
Precipitin (/prɪˈsɪpɪtɪn/) is a type of antibody produced in the immune system that reacts with specific soluble antigens to form a precipitate.
Etymology
The term "precipitin" is derived from the Latin word "praecipitare", which means "to throw headlong" or "to precipitate". It was first used in this context in the early 20th century to describe the reaction of an antibody with its specific antigen.
Function
Precipitin plays a crucial role in the immune response. When a foreign substance enters the body, the immune system produces antibodies, including precipitins, to neutralize the threat. The precipitin binds to the soluble antigen to form a precipitate, which is then removed from the body.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system that recognizes and binds to specific antigens.
- Antigen: A substance that induces an immune response, especially the production of antibodies.
- Immune System: The body's defense system against foreign substances and pathogens.
- Precipitation Reaction: A type of reaction where an insoluble solid (precipitate) is formed from the reaction of two soluble substances.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Precipitin
- Wikipedia's article - Precipitin
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