Antibodies
Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 11.2.1
Structure
Antibodies are proteins called immunoglobulins that are produced by the plasma cells during the immune response. The antibodies are called monoclonal antibodies.
Variable regions
- Each antibody has two variable regions.
- Each antibody has different variable regions.
- The variable regions bind specifically to specific antigens.
- One antibody can bind to two antigens. This allows the antigens to be clumped together in agglutination.
Constant regions
- Every antibody has the same constant regions.
Disulfide bridge
- Antibodies are made from two heavy chains and two light chains.
- The heavy chains are connected to the light chains by disulfide bridges.
Hinge protein
- The hinge protein connects the variable region to the constant region.
Test yourself on Antibodies
Which of the following statements about antibodies are true?
What structure of the antibody binds specifically antigens?