Chapter 30, Problem 26P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The creation of a new protein on the variable portion of a heavy chain by V(J)D recombination should be explained.

Concept Introduction:

The molecule of an immunoglobulin exhibits two polypeptide chains and two heavy polypeptide chains. These chains possess variable and constant regions. The constant regions exhibit a similar sequence of amino acids in different antibodies, and the variable regions exhibit a distinct sequence of amino acids in different antibodies.