Antibodies NOT FINISHED

What is an antigen

any molecule that can bind specifically to an antibody or antigen receptor

what is an epitope

a site on an antigen that is recognised by an antibody or antigen receptor

what in an antibody

protein that binds to a particular substance

what is affinity

strength of a singular ab-ag binding

what is avidity

overall strength of all ab-ag bindings

what is specificity

the ability of abs to distinguish between closely related antigens

Describe IgM

5 subunits, 10 binding sites

produced in spleen and lymph nodes

produced first in primary response and less specific and ^ binding sites

describe IgG

1 subunit, 2 binding sites

produced in spleen and lymph nodes

made second in response to antigens, more specific.

describe IgA

two subunits, four binding sites

produced in resp / gi tracts

found on mucosal surfaces ‘outside body’ has a secretory component

Why is IgM produced first in primary response

10 binding sites

more generalised

activates b cells

triggers production of IgG

What is an FAB

what splits this from anitbody

fragment antigen binding - antibody split before hinge region to make x2 individual fabs

useful for antivenom - can neutralise toxins

split by papain

where does pepsin split the antibody, what does this make?

behind hinge region, makes fab(2 binding sites, one moll)

and Fc region separate

larger, can both neutralise and agglutinate, but doesnt bind to self cells.