Antibodies Flashcards
1
Q
What does antigen stand for
A
Antibody generator
2
Q
Describe the structure of antigens
A
- 4 polypeptide chains held together by disulphide bridges
- large protein known as immuno-globins
- hinge region
- variable region
- have polypeptide chain
- light poly petite chain
3
Q
What does the hinge region do
A
For flexibility to aid binding to more than one antigen at a time
4
Q
What is the variable region
A
- Area of specificity to an antigen due to specific amino acid sequence
- specific to a specific pathogen, complementary shapes
5
Q
What are antigens produced by
A
B lymphocytes
6
Q
What is the function of antigens
A
Stimulate immune system
Let our cells be recognised as self
7
Q
Function of the constant region
A
Easily recognised by phagocytes so they can be attracted
Easier to manufacture because the first parts are the same
8
Q
Function of disulphide bridges
A
To hold together the polypeptide chains
9
Q
What is neutralisation
A
The antibody binds to a pathogen’s antigens, this:
- blocks the binding site so it does not bind with a host
- binds to toxins
10
Q
What is agglutination
A
The antibodies clump together the pathogens
- this makes it easier for the phagocytes to destroy the pathogens in one go as they are all together
- the clumped pathogens are too big so cannot enter a host cell
