[BIOL 3120] - Final Exam Guide - Ultimate 22 pages long Study Guide!

• School: York University
• Department: Biology
• Course: BIOL 3120
• Professor: Tanya Da Sylva

Document Summary

In order to recognize a diverse amount of pathogens, the immune system must generate a diverse and flexible repertoire of receptor molecules and minimize the expression of receptors that bind self-antigens. Each b or t lymphocyte expresses a unique antigen-specific receptor that when bound to their corresponding antigens under the appropriate conditions t and b lymphocytes proliferate and differentiate into effector cells that eliminate the threat. When stimulated by antigens, b cells secrete antibodies with antigen-binding sites identical to those on the b-cell membrane antigen receptor. Unlike t-cells, b-cells can recognize soluble antigens, while t-cells need them to be presented. Secreted antibodies and their membrane receptor forms (b and t-cell receptors) along with mhc belong to the immunoglobulin family. Alternative splicing of a transcript can lead to 2 types of immunoglobulin molecules: secreted and membrane bound (fig 3-25) 4 chains 2 identical heavy chains (hc), 2 identical light chains (lc)