Agglutinin
An agglutinin is a substance that causes particles to coagulate to form a thickened mass. Agglutinins can be antibodies that cause antigens to aggregate by binding to the antigen-binding sites of antibodies. Agglutinins can also be any substance other than antibodies such as sugar-binding protein lectins. Agglutinins work by clumping on particles causing the particles to change from fluid-like state to thickened-mass state. When an agglutinin is added to a uniform suspension of particles such as bacteria or blood, agglutinin binds to the agglutinin-specific structure on the particle causing the particles to aggregate and fall to the bottom leaving a clear suspension. This phenomenon known as agglutination is of great importance to the medical world as it serves as a diagnostic tool.
Agglutinogen (noun)
Any antigen that stimulates the production of an agglutinin
Agglutinin (noun)
A substance that causes cells to clump.
Agglutinin (noun)
A protein found in cow’s milk.
Agglutinogen (noun)
an antigenic substance present in blood cells, bacteria, etc., which stimulates the formation of an agglutinin in blood serum.
Agglutinin (noun)
an antibody, lectin, or other substance that causes agglutination.