Question

Haptens A. can function as antigens. B. strongly bind to antibodies specific for them. C. may be macromolecules. D. never act as antigenic determinants. E. can directly clicit the production of specific antibodies.

Short answer

a) Haptens can function as antigens when bound to a carrier molecule. b) Haptens strongly bind to antibodies specific for them. c) Haptens may be macromolecules. d) Haptens never act as antigenic determinants. e) Haptens can directly elicit the production of specific antibodies. Answer: a) True, b) True, c) False, d) False, e) False

Step-by-step solution

Understand haptens

Haptens are small molecules that cannot elicit an immune response on their own but can become antigenic when bound to a larger carrier molecule. Haptens can bind to specific antibodies formed against them.

Evaluate each statement

A. Haptens can function as antigens: This statement is true when a hapten is bound to a carrier molecule. B. Haptens strongly bind to antibodies specific for them: This statement is true. Haptens can bind to specific antibodies formed against them. C. Haptens may be macromolecules: This statement is false. Haptens are small molecules, not macromolecules. D. Haptens never act as antigenic determinants: This statement is false. Haptens can act as antigenic determinants when bound to a larger carrier molecule. E. Haptens can directly elicit the production of specific antibodies: This statement is false. Haptens cannot directly elicit an immune response on their own and need to be bound to a carrier molecule to become antigenic.

Present the results

Based on the evaluation of each statement, the following can be concluded: A. True B. True C. False D. False E. False