What are antibodies specifically?

Antibodies are specific glycoproteins produced by B cells in response to antigens. They play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and neutralizing foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses. Each antibody has a unique structure that allows it to bind specifically to a particular antigen, which is a substance recognized as foreign by the immune system. This specificity is critical for the immune response, enabling the body to target specific pathogens effectively.

The production of antibodies is a key aspect of the adaptive immune response, whereby the immune system learns to recognize specific antigens and produces corresponding antibodies to fight them in future encounters. This process also includes the formation of memory cells, which provide long-lasting immunity.

In contrast, enzymes that break down pathogens, hormones involved in immune processes, and cells that engulf foreign pathogens serve different functions in the immune system. While these components are integral to the overall immune response, they do not represent what antibodies are. Antibodies' primary function is their role as specific glycoproteins that target antigens, making option B the correct and most accurate answer regarding the nature of antibodies.