Clarify immunoglobulin and describe its structure and function.
Understand the Problem
The question requests a clarification of what an immunoglobulin is, along with a description of its structure and function. This requires defining immunoglobulins, explaining their molecular structure (including heavy and light chains, variable and constant regions, and disulfide bonds), and detailing their roles in the immune system, such as antigen binding, neutralization, opsonization, and complement activation.
Answer
Immunoglobulins (antibodies) are glycoproteins produced by plasma cells. They consist of two heavy and two light chains, forming a Y shape. They bind antigens and remove them from the body.
Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are glycoproteins produced by plasma cells to fight off foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. An immunoglobulin molecule consists of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y shape. The variable domains bind to antigens, while the constant domains facilitate effector functions, such as complement activation.
Answer for screen readers
Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are glycoproteins produced by plasma cells to fight off foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. An immunoglobulin molecule consists of two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains, forming a Y shape. The variable domains bind to antigens, while the constant domains facilitate effector functions, such as complement activation.
More Information
Immunoglobulins are essential for the adaptive immune system, recognizing and neutralizing specific pathogens.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse immunoglobulins with antigens. Immunoglobulins are produced by the body to target antigens.
Sources
- Immunoglobulin - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Structure and function of immunoglobulins - jacionline.org
- Immunoglobulin Structure and Classes | Thermo Fisher Scientific - US - thermofisher.com
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