A sample holds 150 antibody molecules of one class…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A sample holds antibody molecules of one class. Each molecule is HL and has two antigen-binding sites.
- How many peptide chains are there in all?
- How many are heavy chains?
- How many antigen-binding sites are there?
- How many such molecules are needed to bind antigens, if every site holds one antigen?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
After a second meeting with an antigen, the response is quicker and stronger because of memory cells. An antibody has two heavy and two light chains, HL, and two antigen-binding sites. In active immunity the body makes its own antibodies. In passive immunity the antibodies are given ready made. Herd immunity needs a share of at least of the population to be immune.
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Given. molecules. Each has heavy chains, light chains and binding sites.
Plan. Multiply by the number in each molecule.
Step 1. All chains. .
Step 2. Heavy chains. .
Step 3. Binding sites. .
Step 4. Molecules for antigens. molecules.
Answer: ; ; ; .
Check. The heavy and the light chains are each, so .
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