Biology / Unit 13 Bio 3283 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Antibody Structure
Captions available
The idea
An antibody is a Y-shaped protein with variable regions that bind a specific antigen and constant regions that determine how the immune system handles the bound complex.
In practice
The variable region's shape is unique to each antibody lineage, matching one specific antigen shape closely.
Where people slip
The variable region provides specificity — the constant region determines antibody class and function, a separate property.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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