Immunoglobulins

What is another name for immunoglobulins?

antibodies

What cells produce immunoglobulins?

B cells

What is a monomer?

a basic 4-polypeptide chain (looks like Y)

What is a variable region?

an amino-terminal region

Where are variable regions?

On Fab fragments (fragment antigen binding)

What are constant regions?

carboxyl-terminal region

What important detail do constant regions have?

Fc fragment (fragment crystallizable)

What immunoglobulins are connected to a J chain?

IgM and dimeric IgA only

What are the 3 main determinants of immunoglobulins?

1. isotypes
2. allotypes
3. idiotypes

what are isotypes?

5 main classes

what are allotypes?

multiple alleles for the same Ab

what are idiotypes?

unique amino acid seuqence

Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant?

IgG

Which immunoglobulin activates the complement system?

IgG

Which immunoglobulin crosses the placenta?

IgG

Which immunoglobulin is the best anamnestic antibody (Ab)?

IgG

Which immunoglobulin is a pentamer?

IgM

Which immunoglobulin is the first antibody produced?

IgM

Which immunoglobulin is the most predominant antibody (Ab) in secretions?

IgA

Which immunoglobulin is a secretory component?

IgA

Which immunoglobulin is found on the surface of B lymphcytes?

IgD

Which immunoglobulin activates allergic reactions?

IgE