Historical Aspects: Antigen-Antibody Reaction (Exam 2)

Question 1

Define antigen.

Answer 1

Substance, usually a protein, that stimulates the body to produce antibodies against it

Question 2

Which 2 antigens determine blood type in the ABO system?

Answer 2

A & B

Question 3

Where are antigens typically located?

Answer 3

Surfaces of RBCs

Question 4

Define antibody.

Answer 4

Protein that destroys or inactivates a specific antigen

Question 5

What is antiserum?

Answer 5

Serum containing antibodies

Question 6

What is antigen/antibody specificity?

Answer 6

Concept that an antibody only reacts with a specific antigen and no other

Question 7

What is meant when we say that antibodies are bivalent?

Answer 7

They have 2 reactive sites

Question 8

Define agglutination.

Answer 8

Vast network of cross-linked cells

Question 9

What causes the physical reaction of agglutination?

Answer 9

An antibody will attach to the antigens of 2 different RBCs

Question 10

What are the 5 structural components of an antibody?

Answer 10

1) Variable portion
2) Disulfide bond
3) Light chains (x2)
4) Heavy chains (x2)
5) Constant portion

Question 11

What scientific breakthrough allowed us to shift away from blood typing in forensics?

Answer 11

DNA analysis