/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 52 How does an antibody molecule bi... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 33: Problem 52

How does an antibody molecule bind specifically to one antigen but not to others? a. due to the presence of a specific antigen binding site b. due to the constant region c. due to diversity of variable region d. due to the complete antibody structure

Short Answer

Expert verified
Option a: due to the presence of a specific antigen binding site.

Step by step solution

01

- Understand the Antibody Structure

An antibody molecule is composed of two main regions: the constant region (Fc) and the variable region (Fab). The constant region is uniform and similar among antibodies, while the variable region varies greatly between different antibodies.
02

- Focus on the Variable Region

The variable region of an antibody contains the antigen-binding site, which is highly specific to particular antigens. This region undergoes hypermutation, allowing a diverse set of antibodies to be produced, each with a unique antigen-binding site.
03

- Specificity of Antigen Binding

The specific binding to an antigen is due to the complementary shape and charge of the antigen-binding site in the variable region. This specificity ensures that an antibody binds to one particular antigen and not others.
04

- Analyze the Options

Option a (specific antigen-binding site): Correct, as the specificity of binding is due to the antigen-binding site. Option b (constant region): Incorrect, as the constant region is uniform among antibodies and does not determine specificity. Option c (diversity of variable region): Correct and related to the correct answer, as diversity allows for different antigen bindings. Option d (complete antibody structure): Incorrect, as not all parts of the antibody contribute to the specificity.
05

- Select the Best Answer

While both option a and option c touch upon correct aspects, option a is the most direct and best answer as it specifically refers to the antigen-binding site that ensures specificity.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Antigen-binding site
An antibody's ability to bind a specific antigen hinges on the antigen-binding site. This site is located in the variable region of the antibody. The antigen-binding site is shaped and charged in a way that complements the specific antigen it is meant to bind.

Each antigen-binding site is unique to an individual antibody. The shape and chemistry of this site are what enable the antibody to recognize and tightly bind to its corresponding antigen while ignoring others.

Think of it like a lock and key: the antigen-binding site is the lock, and the antigen is the key. Only the right key will fit perfectly into the lock, ensuring that the antibody binds only to its specific antigen.
Variable region
The variable region of an antibody is crucial for its specific interaction with antigens. This area is called 'variable' because it differs significantly among different antibodies. The variability of this region is vital for the immune system to recognize a wide array of antigens.

In the variable region, the genetic code undergoes hypermutation, resulting in numerous different configurations of antigen-binding sites. These mutations allow for a diverse range of antibodies to be produced, each capable of binding to a unique antigen.

Despite the vast diversity, each variable region is highly specific to a particular antigen. This specificity stems from the unique shape and chemical properties that the variable region provides, ensuring that antibodies can effectively neutralize invading pathogens.
Antibody specificity
Antibody specificity refers to the precise and exclusive binding between an antibody and its corresponding antigen. This specificity is critically important for the immune system to correctly identify and neutralize foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria, without affecting the body's own cells.

The antigen-binding site's design in the variable region facilitates this selective binding. Due to its complementary shape and charge properties, it ensures that each antibody binds only to its specific antigen.

Additionally, the diversity in the variable region amplifies the range of various antigens that can be recognized and bound by antibodies. This diversity creates a comprehensive immune response capable of targeting a wide variety of pathogens effectively.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following produces an immediate innate immune response by recognizing an invading pathogen and engulfing it? a. macrophage b. cytokine c. inflammation d. antibody

What is the term for antibodies that inappropriately mark self components as foreign? a. cross reactive b. epitopes c. allergens d. autoantibodies

Why do some people with type 1 diabetes develop the disease as the result of an immune response? a. Their B cells produced IgE molecules in response to a harmless protein, which caused histamine to be released. b. Their B cells responded to a self protein to produce autoantibodies, which elicited inflammation that caused organ damage. c. They had a delayed response to a harmful protein that entered the body and activated both the innate and adaptive immune systems. d. They acquired antibodies to insulin through passive immunity, and these antibodies bind to insulin whenever it is produced in the body.

The human genome contains less than 50,000 genes, yet a human has the capability of producing more than 1012different antibody molecules. How can this evidence be used to support the claim that the human body has an immune system that is both effective and efficient? a. There are so many different antibody molecules that can be made, each of which can specifically target a particular pathogen to destroy it. This specificity makes the immune system more effective. The immune system is also efficient because each antibody need to have its own gene. b. There are so many different antibody molecules that can be made, each of which can nonspecifically target a particular pathogen to destroy it. This non-specificity makes the immune system more effective. The immune system is also efficient because each antibody does not need to have its own gene. c. There are so many different antibody molecules that can be made, each of which can specifically target a particular pathogen to destroy it. This specificity makes the immune system more efficient. The immune system is also effective because each antibody does not need to have its own gene. d. There are so many different antibody molecules that can be made, each of which can specifically target a particular pathogen to destroy it. This specificity makes the immune system more effective. The immune system is also efficient because each antibody does not need to have its own gene.

An antibody sometimes binds to an antigen other than the antigen that elicited its synthesis. What term refers to this behavior? a. avidity b. cross reactivity c. hypersensitivity d. affinity
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Biological Organisms

Read Explanation

Ecological Levels

Read Explanation

Communicable Diseases

Read Explanation

Biological Processes

Read Explanation

Reproduction

Read Explanation

Biology Experiments

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.