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Humoral Immunity

Terms in this set (29)

List two synonyms for the word antibody.
-immunoglobulin
-gamma globulin
Describe characteristics of a basic antibody molecule.
-is roughly Y-shaped. It consists of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains bound together by disulfide bonds.
Where are the antigen-binding sites located on the antibody molecule?
the end of the arms of the Y-shaped antibody.
What feature of an antibody molecule determines what class it belongs to?
The stem of the Y-shaped antibody determines the class of antibody molecule and, therefore, how it interacts with the rest of the immune system.
Name the five classes of immunoglobulin molecules.
1. IgM
2. IgD
3. IgG
4. IgA
5. IgE.
Which antibody is most abundant in plasma, and when does it appear?
IgG is the most abundant antibody in plasma and is formed later in the primary immune response and in the secondary immune response.
Which two antibody classes are responsible for most humoral responses?
IgG and IgM
Describe the shape of an IgM molecule and relate when it appears.
IgM is a pentamer.
What is the function of an IgM molecule found on the surface of a naive B cell?
IgM acts as a B cell antigen receptor on naive B cells.
Where are IgA molecules found? What function do they perform?
IgA is present in secretions such as mucus in the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts and in milk, sweat, saliva, and tears.
List the two functions of IgE.
-mediates defenses against parasitic worms
- is responsible for the symptoms of allergy.
Describe what happens when IgE binds to receptors located on basophils and mast cells.
leads to the release of inflammatory mediators from these cells following interaction with antigen.
Where are IgD molecules found? What can be said about their role in an immune response?
-IgD, along with IgM, acts as an antigen receptor on the membranes of naive B cells.
-The role of IgD is not entirely clear.
Relate the primary method used by antibodies to deal with pathogens and toxins.
by acting as opsonins, marking them for phagocytosis. As a result of antibody binding, neutralization, agglutination, precipitation, or complement activation also occurs.
Explain where and how B lymphocytes become activated.
when it encounters the one specific antigen that binds its lymphocyte antigen receptor. This is clonal selection.
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