Describe the structure of Antibody with a labelled diagram.
Describe the structure of Antibody with a labelled diagram.

Solution:

  • Antibodies are glycoproteins which are highly specific to antigens. 
  • They are also known as immunoglobulins (Igs). 
  • They have a ‘Y’ shaped structure. 
  • It consists of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains. 
  • Four polypeptide chains are held together by disulfide bonds to form a ‘Y’ shaped structure. 
  • Region holding arms and stem of antibody is termed as hinge. 
  • Each chain of the antibody includes two distinct regions, the variable region and the constant region. 
  • Variable regions constitute the antigen-binding site (paratope). 
  • This part of the antibody recognizes and binds to the specific antigen forming an antigen-antibody complex.