2.2.9 Antibodies Flashcards
What are antibodies?
Protein molecules that can identify and neutralise antigens.
What are antigens?
Molecules that stimulate an immune responce
What happens once foreign material is detected by the immune system?
The immune system stimulates the production of antibodies.
What produces antibodies?
Lymphocytes
What is the specific shape of an antibody allow?
It is complementary to a specific antigen
What is the result of all antibodies being specific to one type of antigen?
The immune system must manufacture one type of antibody for each antigen.
What is included in the structure of an antibody molecule?
- polypeptide chains held together by disulphide bridges
- Variable region
- Constant region
- Hinge region
Antibodies are __ shaped?
Y
What are the two regions on an antibody?
Variable region and a constant region
What does the variable region contain and what does this then ensure?
A specific shape and differs from each antibody, due to its amino acid sequence.
This ensures that the antibody can attach to the CORRECT antigen and so therefore the shape of the variable region is complementary to the antigen.
What is the constant region and what does it enable?
It is the same in all antibodies. It enables the antibody to attach to phagocytic cells and helps the process of phagocytosis.
Fill in the blanks:
_____ _______ chains held together by _________ _______.
Four polypeptide chains held together by disulphide bridges.
What does the hinge region do?
Allows for flexibility. It allows the branches to move further apart to allow attachment of more to more that one antigen
