Week 1: Antibodies Flashcards
What is the function of a J-chain on IgM?
holds all 5 subunits of the pentamer together
Which is better at activating complement: IgG or IgM? Why?
IgM; better because all the units of the antibody are right next to one another
Does IgM have an Fc portion to bind to lymphocytes?
No- it mainly functions to start complement activation
Which antibodies have a J chain?
IgM and IgA
Where is IgD found?
Nearly entirely bound to B cell membranes
What are the five kinds of heavy chains?
gamma, alpha, mu, epsilon, delta
What are the 2 kinds of light chains?
Kappa and Lambda
What changes during a class switch: the heavy or light chain?
The heavy chain changes; the light chain stays the same
What does valence refer to?
the number of antigenic determinants (epitopes) an antibody molecule can theoretically bind.
How many constant domains are there in a light chain?
1
How many constant domains are there in epsilon and mu heavy chains?
4
What is an allotype?
Minor changes in the constant region contribute to a person’s allotype being different from anothers
What is an isotype
The different possible heavy chains (10 different isotypes)
What is an idiotype?
The changes to the variable regions
What is the function of IgG?
neutralizes toxins and blood-borne viruses, binds bacteria and facilitates their destruction by activating complement and opsonizing them
What is the function of IgA?
the dimer form of secretion is able to bind and prevent infection at mucosal membranes