properties and functions of antibodies

Question 1

What type of chains make up an antibody

Answer 1

2 light chains (Y shapes) and a heavy chain

Question 2

What does anitbody constant region define

Answer 2

Effector function

Question 3

What does the variable region of the antibody define

Answer 3

Variable region defines Ag specificity

Question 4

What can swapping the constant Fc region on an antibody do

Answer 4

Changes the Ab function without changing specificity for Ag

Question 5

What are the first two antibodies which can be produced simultaneously by B cells

Answer 5

IgM and IgD

Question 6

What is the first reponse antibody

Answer 6

IgM

Question 7

How are IgM and IgD produced

Answer 7

By differential RNA splicing but DNA is not changed

Question 8

What antibody is the initial response/ first line of defence

Answer 8

IgM

Question 9

What does IgM form via the J chain

Answer 9

Pentamers (5 subunit structure)

Question 10

What is IgA adapted to

Answer 10

Mucosal surfaces

Question 11

What does the J chain facilitate with in IgA

Answer 11

Facilitates transport across intestinal epithelium

Question 12

Which antibodies are good opsonisers

Answer 12

IgG, IgA, IgM

Question 13

Which antibody is a non-opsoniser

Answer 13

IgE

Question 14

What is affinity maturation

Answer 14

Process by which activated B cells increase their Ab’s affinity for Ag

Question 15

What do B cells require to undergo affinity maturation

Answer 15

Require T cell permission to undergo affinity maturation and to survive after affinity maturation

Question 16

What are the outcomes of B cell memory

Answer 16

Increase no. Of Ag specific B cells
B cells class switched to IgG, IgA or IgE
The Ab produced by B cells are higher affinity for their Ag