Multiple Choice
Which of the following antibodies is secreted into the blood for an allergic reaction?
21. The Immune System
Antibody Structure and Diversity
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Which of the following variable gene segments encodes for the variable sequence on the heavy chain?
A
V
B
D
C
J
D
M
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of an antibody: Antibodies are composed of two heavy chains and two light chains. Each chain has a constant region and a variable region. The variable region is responsible for antigen binding.
Identify the gene segments involved in encoding the variable region of the heavy chain: The variable region of the heavy chain is encoded by three gene segments: V (variable), D (diversity), and J (joining).
Recognize the role of each gene segment: The V segment provides the majority of the variable region's sequence, the D segment adds diversity, and the J segment joins the V and D segments to complete the variable region.
Determine which gene segment is responsible for encoding the variable sequence: The D (diversity) segment is specifically involved in encoding part of the variable sequence on the heavy chain, contributing to the diversity of antibodies.
Conclude that the D segment is the correct answer: Based on the understanding of antibody gene segment roles, the D segment is the one that encodes for the variable sequence on the heavy chain.
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