The very basic structure of an immunoglobulin (antibody) molecule can be demonstrated under following points: Polypeptide chains: Antibody molecules have a common structure of four polypeptide chains, having two different sizes. These are a pair of identical high molecular weight chains called Heavy chains (H-chains) and a pair of identical low molecular weight chains called Light chains (L-chains). Each light [...]
In this article we will discuss about the characteristics of epitopes. 1. An antibody that is specific for an antigen binds non-covalently to a region of the molecule surface known as epitope. 2. Naturally occurring epitopes are relatively small (either amino-acids or sugar residues). 3. Specific epitope should fit with the specific site present on antibody (antibody-binding site). 4. The [...]
In this article we will discuss about the features of adaptive immune responses. 1. Specificity: It ensures that distinct microbes elicit specific responses. It exists because individual lymphocyte expresses membrane receptors that are able to distinguish subtle differences in structure between different antigens. 2. Diversity: It enables immune system to respond to a large variety of microbes. The total no. [...]