Immunoglobulins

Question 1

IgG

Answer 1

• contain gamma chain
• promote phagocytosis in plasma and activate the complement system
• only kind of antibodies that CAN cross the placenta
• monomer

Question 2

IgA

Answer 2

• found mainly in mucosal secretions, tears, colostrum and milk
• appear usually as dimmers of (LH)2 units
• dimer

Question 3

IgM

Answer 3

• expressed in the surface of B-cells and are found primarily in plasma
• first antibodies produced in significant quantities against an antigen
• promote phagocytosis and activate the complement system
• pentamer

Question 4

IgE

Answer 4

• plays an important role in allergic reactions and increase in worm infestations
• monomer

Question 5

IgD

Answer 5

• delta heavy chains

- not very well known