antibody structure and function

Question 1

what is the level of protein structure for an antibody ?

Answer 1

• quaternary
• there is more than one chain bonded together to perform its function

Question 2

why are there variable regions on an antibody ?

Answer 2

• there are two binding sites at the variable regions which are specific to the antigen
• the shape is determined by the DNA

Question 3

what do antibody hinges allow ?

Answer 3

• the antibody can be flexible and they can bind to two antigens when they are close together or further apart.

Question 4

what is an Antigen-Antibody complex ?

Answer 4

• forms when the antibody binds to the complimentary antigen.

Question 5

How do Antigen-Antibody complexes form ?

Answer 5

• the variable region has a shape that is complimentary to the antigen.

Question 6

what is agglutination ?

Answer 6

• two antigens can be joined by one antibody molecule
• when antigen-antibody complexes form, the pathogens are clumped together
• this makes it easier for phagocytes to locate the pathogen and engulf many at once

Question 7

what is an Antitoxin ?

Answer 7

• the antibody becomes an antitoxin
• antibodies can form antitoxin-antibody complexes with molecules to prevent the toxin from binding to receptors on host cells
• can stop the damage.

Question 8

How do antibodies stop the pathogen invading the host cells ?

Answer 8

• they may block the receptors when they bind to the pathogen antigen
• these receptors are needed to bind to the host cells.
• the pathogen cannot bind to the cell and therefore cant invade the cell.