Basic Y Structure of Antibodies

Basic Y Structure of Antibodies

An antibody molecule is basically shaped like a Y. The molecule has 2 parts:

  • Variable part: This part varies from antibody to antibody, depending on which antigen the antibody targets. The antigen attaches to the variable part.

  • Constant part: This part can be one of 5 structures, which determines the antibody’s class—IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, or IgD. This part is the same within each class.

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