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Antibody Diversity
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Rearrangements of the mammalian genes in B cells that produce antibodies use a process that closely resembles transposition. Any given B cell makes an antibody with only one kind of specificity. Remarkably, human B cells are capable of producing antibodies that react with virtually any foreign substance encountered. Does this imply we have millions of different antibody genes? No. Antibody diversity id generated due to the fact that during development in the bone marrow B cells rearrange antibody gene segments within their genome to create a unique BCR or antibody. As a result, each B cell rearranges a unique receptor that yields tremendous diversity when accounting for the vast number of B cells in circulation at any given time.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.





1Light chains are made of
A)one V and one J segment in the variable region plus a constant region that is common in all light chains
B)one V, one D, and one J segment in the variable region plus a constant region that is common in all light chains
C)one V and one J segment in the variable region plus one of two possible different constant region segments
D)one V and one J in the variable region and no constant region


2Heavy chains
A)all have the same constant region
B)have one of two possible constant regions
C)have one of five possible constant regions
D)have one of eight possible constant regions


3The V, J, and D segments
A)must be a matching set
B)are each selected randomly
C)are present in the constant region of the heavy chain
D)are RNA sequences


4Human cells have separate genes for each antibody molecule.
A)True
B)False


5The m gene codes for the constant region of the light chain in IgM antibody.
A)True
B)False





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