2.11b Antibodies Basic Science

Question 1

What cells produce antibodies?

Answer 1

B cells produce antibodies.

Question 2

Which branch of immunity are antibodies part of?

Answer 2

The acquired (adaptive) immune system.

Question 3

What do antibodies bind to?

Answer 3

Antibodies bind to antigens, specifically to epitopes on the antigen.

Question 4

What is an epitope?

Answer 4

The specific site on an antigen where an antibody binds.

Question 5

What are the two major components of an antibody structure?

Answer 5

The antigen-binding region and the biological activity mediation component.

Question 6

Which part of the antibody is most variable?

Answer 6

The antigen-binding part.

Question 7

What determines the specificity of an antibody?

Answer 7

The hypervariable regions of the antigen-binding site.

Question 8

How many main types of antibodies exist in the human body?

Answer 8

Five types of antibodies.

Question 9

What acronym helps remember the five antibody types?

Answer 9

GAMED (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE, IgD).

Question 10

What does “Ig” stand for in IgG, IgA, etc.?

Answer 10

Immunoglobulin.

Question 11

What is the most abundant antibody in the body?

Answer 11

IgG.

Question 12

Where is IgG found?

Answer 12

In all body fluids.

Question 13

What is the main function of IgG?

Answer 13

Protects against bacteria and viruses.

Question 14

What is unique about the appearance of IgG?

Answer 14

It has the classic Y-shaped structure.

Question 15

Where is IgA primarily located?

Answer 15

On mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth, respiratory tract).

Question 16

What is the main function of IgA?

Answer 16

Protects mucosal surfaces by neutralizing pathogens.

Question 17

Where is IgM primarily found?

Answer 17

In blood and lymph.

Question 18

What is IgM’s main function?

Answer 18

It is the first antibody produced during a new infection.

Question 19

What is IgE primarily associated with?

Answer 19

Allergic responses.

Question 20

What is an easy way to remember IgE’s function?

Answer 20

IgE rhymes with “allergy.”

Question 21

What is known about IgD?

Answer 21

It is found in small amounts in the blood, and its function is not well understood.

Question 22

Which antibody is the first to appear in a new infection?

Answer 22

IgM.

Question 23

Which antibody provides long-term immunity?

Answer 23

IgG.

Question 24

Which type of immune cell helps activate B-cells?

Answer 24

Helper T cells.

Question 25

What process do helper T cells stimulate in B cells?

Answer 25

Proliferation (clonal expansion) and differentiation.

Question 26

What is the result of B-cell differentiation?

Answer 26

Production of antibodies that become increasingly specific to an antigen.

Question 27

What is the relationship between T-cell and B-cell immunity?

Answer 27

They work together—T cells activate and guide B cells.

Question 28

What does “class switching” refer to in antibody development?

Answer 28

The process by which B cells switch from making IgM to other antibody types like IgG.

Question 29

What is “affinity maturation”?

Answer 29

The process by which antibodies become more specific and effective over time.

Question 30

Which antibodies are produced quickly versus slowly?

Answer 30

IgM is produced quickly (days to weeks); IgG develops more slowly (weeks to months).