What unique feature does the T-cell receptor have compared to immunoglobulins?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the specific characteristics that differentiate T-cell receptors from immunoglobulins, focusing on their structural and functional differences.
Answer
One antigen-binding site and is never secreted.
The unique feature of the T-cell receptor is that it has only one antigen-binding site and it is never secreted, unlike immunoglobulins which have two antigen-binding sites and can be secreted as antibodies.
Answer for screen readers
The unique feature of the T-cell receptor is that it has only one antigen-binding site and it is never secreted, unlike immunoglobulins which have two antigen-binding sites and can be secreted as antibodies.
More Information
T-cell receptors are crucial in the immune system as they allow T-cells to recognize and respond to pathogens. Unlike B-cell receptors (immunoglobulins), which can be found in a secreted form as antibodies, T-cell receptors are always bound to the cell membrane.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume T-cell receptors can be secreted like antibodies; they cannot.
Sources
- T-cell receptor - NCBI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Immune system - T Cells, Antigens, Receptors - Britannica - britannica.com
