Antibody Structure Flashcards
where are antibodies produced
produced by B lymphocytes called plasma cells when exposed to a foreign antigen
what is the primary response
where the antibody level rises slowly to a low peak and then declines to baseline. this happens after exposure to a new foreign antigen
what is the secondary response
where antibody levels increase 24hs after a subsequent exposure to an antigen. the antibody levels reach a high, and is sustained
what are the different proteins found in plasma proteins
albumin, globulins and fibrinogens
what does each immunoglobulin have
two heavy chains and two light chains
what holds heavy and light chains together
disulfide bonds
at what region does the antibody bind to the antigen?
at the variable domain
what is the function of the constant region
anchors the antibody to the surface of cells like monocytes and macrophages (reticuloendothelial system). these cells are involved in the destruction of the cell carrying the foreign antigen
this region also is important when binding complement and determining if an antibody may cross the placenta
what is the function of the hinge region
gives the molecule flexibility so the antigen binding sites can operate independently
what is the J chain
a protein found in IgM and IgA dimers that hold the Ig units together alongside the disulphide bonds
what is the constant region
the part of the antibody who’s structure depends on the isotype
how is the shape of the IgM antibodies described
pentamer
What shape is an IgG?
Monomer
What types of antibodies are there and how many units in each one?
IgG 1
IgM 5
IgE 1
IgA 1/2
IgD 1
