Chapter 34.7, Problem 1.4RIA

Summary Introduction

Immunoglobulins (Igs) are also termed as antibodies. Igs are glycoprotein molecules made by plasma cells (white blood cells). Igs play an important role in the immune response by particularly identifying and binding to antigens or foreign particles, like bacteria and viruses. Thereby, Igs are involved in the destruction of harmful antigens or foreign particles in the body. All Igs possess a basic structure made up of four polypeptide chains, namely two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. Both light (L) chains and heavy (H) chains encompass two different regions, such as the constant regions and the variable regions.