antibodies and B lymphocytes Flashcards
immunoglobulin molecular structure: explain with the aid of a simple diagram the outline structure and function of the immunoglobulin molecule, identifying the antigen-binding site (Fab) and Fc portions of the molecule
what are immunoglobulins
soluble glycoproteins
what is the immunoglobulin molecular structure
diagram
how many chains in the immunoglobulin molecular structure
4
what are the 4 chains in the immunoglobulin molecular structure
light, heavy, heavy, light (symmetrical; both light chains are the same, both heavy chains are the same)
what are the 2 polypeptide terminals in the immunoglobulin structure
N, C
what type of bond conects the 4 chains together
disulphide bridges (3)
what region do antibodies have in order to be flexible
hinge region
what does the hinge region look like
diagram
what does the hinge region allow the antibody to do
allows both antibody Fabs (antigen-binding sites) to bind to antigens (may be narrow or wide)
what section of the antibody binds to antigens
Fab (2 per antibody)
what section of the antibody interacts with cell surface receptors and some complement proteins
Fc
what is Fab composed of
one constant (nearer tail) and one variable (nearer head) domain of each of the heavy and light chains
