Which portion of the immunoglobulin molecule contains the variable region with respect to primary structure? A) The NH₂ terminal region of the light chains only. B) The NH₂terminal region of the heavy chains only. C) The carboxy terminal region of both the light and heavy chains. D) The NH₂ terminal region of both the light and heavy chains. E) The carboxy terminal region of the heavy chains only.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The variable region, which is responsible for the specificity of the immunoglobulin molecule, is located in the NH₂ terminal region of both the light and heavy chains. This region undergoes somatic hypermutation to generate diversity in the antibody repertoire. The carboxy terminal region, on the other hand, contains the constant region that determines the antibody class and effector functions. Therefore, choices A, B, C, and E are incorrect.

Which Portion of the Immunoglobulin Molecule Contains the Variable Region