5.5 Antibodies Flashcards
1
Q
What are antibodies?
A
Antibodies are proteins with specific binding sites synthesised by B cells
2
Q
How many polypeptide chains does an antibody have?
A
4
3
Q
What are the two types of polypeptide chain in antibodies?
A
Heavy chains and light chains
4
Q
What does each antibody have?
A
A specific binding site hitch fits a specific antigen to form an antigen-antibody complex
5
Q
What is the binding site on an antibody known as?
A
The variable region
6
Q
What does the binding site consist of?
A
Sequence of amino acids that can form a specific 3D shape that binds directly to a specific antigen
7
Q
What is the rest of the antibody known as?
A
The constant region
8
Q
What does the constant region bind to?
A
Receptors on cells such as B cells
