4.1.10 Antibodies

Question 1

Structure of Antibodies?

Answer 1

• Globular glycoproteins (immunoglobins)
• Quaternary
• 2 Variable Regions (Bind to specific antigens, lots of types of variable regions means lots of antigens can be bound to)
• Hinge region (Lets the antibody be flexible to enable it to attach to more than 1 antigen)
• 2 Light and 2 heavy polypeptide chains
• Constant region (Recognisable and specific for phagocytes to bind to and engulf pathogen)
• Disulphide bridges (strong covalent bonds holding polypeptide chains together)

Question 2

Function of Antibodies?

Answer 2

• Produced by plasma cells which were differentiated from B lymphocytes
• Bind to specific antigens
• Deactivate pathogens by slowing them down for phagocytosis
• Antitoxins, opsonins or agglutins