How many polypeptide chains are antibodies made up of?

Four polypeptide chains - two heavy chains and two light chains.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How are the heavy and light polypeptide chains held together in an antibody?

Chains are held together via disulphide bridges.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the constant region of an antibody?

The constant region is the part that is the same for all antibodies and binds to receptors on cells.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the variable region of an antibody?

The variable region is the part that is different for each antibody and binds to specific antigens.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the function of the hinge region of an antibody?

The hinge region allows the antibody to be flexible and bind to multiple antigens at once.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the main function of antibodies?

The main function of antibodies is to bind to specific antigens on a pathogen's surface.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is formed when an antibody binds to an antigen?

When an antibody binds to an antigen, it forms an antigen-antibody complex.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What three main roles do antibodies play in the immune response?

  1. Agglutination 
  2. Neutralisation 
  3. Prevent pathogens from binding to cells 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the role of antibodies in agglutination of pathogens?

They cause pathogens to clump together for easier phagocytosis.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the role of antibodies in neutralisation of toxins?

Antibodies bind to toxins to inactivate them so they cannot harm body cells. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the role of antibodies in preventing pathogens from binding to cells?

Antibodies block cell-surface receptors needed for binding to host cells.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.