Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

20. Adaptive Immunity

Antibody Class Switching

Microbiology

20. Adaptive Immunity

Antibody Class Switching

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Multiple Choice

Class switching occurs when which of the following scenarios occur?

The deletion of specific heavy chain genes in the B cell DNA.

Genetic variation of the variable region in an antibody gene within a B cell.

Large deletions of genes encoding the variable region of antibodies in B cells.

Gene rearrangements in a T cytotoxic cell causing the cell to become a T helper cell.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of class switching: Class switching is a process that occurs in B cells where the constant region of the antibody heavy chain is changed, allowing the antibody to switch from one class to another (e.g., from IgM to IgG). This does not affect the antigen specificity, which is determined by the variable region.

Identify the role of heavy chain genes: In class switching, specific heavy chain genes are deleted or rearranged in the B cell DNA. This process involves the constant region genes of the heavy chain, not the variable region genes.

Distinguish between variable and constant regions: The variable region of an antibody is responsible for antigen binding and does not change during class switching. Class switching involves changes in the constant region, which determines the antibody class.

Clarify the role of gene rearrangements: Gene rearrangements in B cells are crucial for class switching, but they do not involve the variable region or cause a T cytotoxic cell to become a T helper cell. These rearrangements are specific to the constant region of the heavy chain.

Eliminate incorrect options: Genetic variation of the variable region and large deletions of genes encoding the variable region are not related to class switching. Gene rearrangements in T cells are unrelated to B cell class switching.