[18] Antibodies Flashcards
What are the main topics covered in the “Antibodies” deck?
Structure and function of antibodies, their roles in the immune system, their use in research, and the production and purification of antibodies
What is the role of antibodies in the immune system?
They bind to specific antigens to neutralize them or mark them for destruction
What are the main classes of antibodies?
- IgG
- IgM
- IgA
- IgD
- IgE
What is the structure of an antibody?
They are Y-shaped proteins composed of two heavy chains and two light chains
How are antibodies used in research?
In techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry
What is ‘Western blotting’?
A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample
What is ‘Immunohistochemistry’?
A process used to detect antigens in cells of a tissue section by exploiting the principle of antibodies binding specifically to antigens
What is ‘Flow cytometry’?
A technology used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of particles in a fluid as it passes through at least one laser
How are antibodies produced and purified?
They are produced by immune cells, then isolated and purified through techniques like affinity chromatography
What are ‘Monoclonal antibodies’?
Antibodies that are made by identical immune cells that are all clones of a unique parent cell
What are ‘Polyclonal antibodies’?
Antibodies that are derived from different B cell lineages
What is ‘Antibody specificity’?
The ability of an antibody to bind specifically to a particular antigen
What is ‘Cross-reactivity’ in the context of antibodies?
When an antibody binds not only to its specific antigen, but also to other antigens that are similar in structure
What is the function of ‘IgG’ class of antibodies?
It provides long-term protection against pathogens due to its ability to cross the placenta
What is the function of ‘IgM’ class of antibodies?
It is often the first antibody produced in response to an infection
