Which region of an immunoglobulin is primarily responsible for antigen binding?

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Study for the Success! In Clinical Laboratory Science – Immunology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which region of an immunoglobulin is primarily responsible for antigen binding?

Explanation:
Antigen binding is carried by the Fab portion of an antibody. The Fab contains the variable regions of both the heavy and light chains, where the antigen-binding site is formed by the hypervariable loops (CDRs) that determine specificity. The Fc portion is the constant region that mediates effector functions like binding to Fc receptors and activating complement, not binding antigen. The hinge region simply provides flexibility between Fab and Fc and does not participate in recognition. So the region that primarily binds antigen is the Fab fragment.

Antigen binding is carried by the Fab portion of an antibody. The Fab contains the variable regions of both the heavy and light chains, where the antigen-binding site is formed by the hypervariable loops (CDRs) that determine specificity. The Fc portion is the constant region that mediates effector functions like binding to Fc receptors and activating complement, not binding antigen. The hinge region simply provides flexibility between Fab and Fc and does not participate in recognition. So the region that primarily binds antigen is the Fab fragment.

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