What is the Difference Between Antibodies and White Blood Cells

The main difference between antibodies and white blood cells is that antibodies are blood proteins while white blood cells are a type of blood cell.

Blood is a tissue that runs all over the body of humans. It is a connective tissue with components such as cells (white blood cells and red blood cells), cell fragments (platelets), and intercellular matrix (plasma). Moreover, blood is a liquid tissue that is about 8% of the body weight. Functions of blood include the formation of blood clots to prevent blood loss, transport of oxygen and nutrients to lungs and tissues, regulation of blood temperature, and transport of cells and antibodies that help in immunization activity. Different components of blood have different functions associated with them. Thus, the structural components of each blood cell vary according to the functions they perform. And, white blood cells are a type of blood cell that help the immune system to fight infections.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Antibodies 
      – Definition, Structure, Features 
2. What are White Blood Cells
      – Definition, Structure, Features 
3. Difference Between Antibodies and White Blood Cells
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Antibodies, White Blood Cells

What are Antibodies

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobins, are blood proteins produced by a type of white blood cell known as B cells. They are an important part of the immune system of the body. They recognize harmful bodies such as bacteria and viruses and neutralize them. Antibodies also keep circulating in the blood after the neutralization of harmful bodies, providing protection against future exposure to the same antigen. Besides, antibodies are specialized types of proteins that have a Y shape and bind to the invaders in a lock and key method.

The harmful bodies to which antibodies bind are called antigens. Antibodies bind to antigens chemically. Antibodies are found in various parts of the body, such as tears, skin, lungs, and breast milk. Moreover, breast milk contains a high amount of antibodies.

What are White Blood Cells

White blood cells are a type of blood cells that are white in colour and are a part of the body’s immune system. They may sometimes appear light purple or pink under the microscope. Moreover, there are a few types of white blood cells: granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils), lymphocytes, and monocytes.

Besides, there are two types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. B cells are the cells that produce antibodies. Furthermore, the structure of white blood cells varies according to their types. These white blood cells play a huge role in protecting the body against harmful foreign bodies such as bacteria, viruses, and diseases. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and are found in blood and lymph. Excessive production of white blood cells is known as leukocytosis, whereas underproduction of white blood cells is known as leukopenia.

Difference Between Antibodies and White Blood Cells

Definition

Antibodies are a type of blood protein, whereas white blood cells are a type of blood cell.

Structure

Antibodies are made up of proteins, while white blood cells are made of many types of biological molecules.

Shape

Moreover, antibodies generally have a Y shape, whereas white blood cells mostly have a round shape.

Origin

Antibodies originate from B cells, while white blood cells originate from bone marrow.

Conclusion

Blood is a liquid connective tissue present within the body. There are a few components of blood, and white blood cells and antibodies are two of them. They are components of the body’s immune system and contribute significantly towards some of the body’s defense mechanisms. The main difference between antibodies and white blood cells is that antibodies are blood proteins, whereas white blood cells are blood cells.

Reference:

1. “Antibody.” Genome.gov.

2. “What to know about white blood cells.” Medical News Today.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Antibody basic unit” By Tokenzero – Own work, based on File: Immunoglobulin basic unit.svg by Y_tambe (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Blausen 0909 WhiteBloodCells” By Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014” WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia