Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What are proteins produced by an animal's immune system in response to invasion by pathogens called?

1. Enzymes

2. Antibodies

3. Hormones

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Antibodies

Proteins produced by an animal's immune system in response to invasion by pathogens are called antibodies. Antibodies are specialized proteins that are designed to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. When the body detects a pathogen, the immune system generates antibodies specific to that pathogen, enabling the body to target and eliminate the threat effectively. This process is crucial for the body's adaptive immune response, allowing for immunity to the same pathogen in future encounters. In contrast, enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body but do not play a direct role in the immune response. Hormones are signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes, including growth and metabolism, but they are not involved in pathogen defense. Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal growth and nutrition but do not function as part of the immune response against pathogens. Thus, the recognition of antibodies as the correct answer highlights their vital role in immune defense.