What are antibodies?

Antibodies are indeed proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of antigens, such as toxins or disease-causing organisms. When the body identifies a foreign substance, such as a virus or bacterium, antibodies are generated specifically to bind to these antigens. This binding helps neutralize the harmful effects of the invaders and marks them for destruction by other components of the immune system.

This function is crucial in providing immunity, as the body can remember the antigens it has encountered before, allowing for a faster and more effective response upon subsequent exposure. Understanding the role of antibodies is essential for comprehending how vaccines work, as vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies to protect against specific diseases without causing the disease itself.

The other options do not accurately describe antibodies. Antibodies are not produced to destroy vaccines; rather, they are a response to diseases or toxins. They also are not medications themselves, although certain medications can enhance the immune response indirectly, but they do not classify as antibodies. Lastly, vaccines are not antibodies; they are preparatory substances that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.