Evolving Antibodies Essay -- Biology

missing diagramEvolving Antibodies The immune system is an neat system of defense against unconnected invaders. It is able to successfully recognize and differentiate between thousands of different antigens. How is such complete recognition possible considering all(a) the various structures foreign bodies may possess? How does the body produce antibodies particularized enough to counter so many different pathogens? That is the subject of the new-made research article, Structural Insights into the Evolution of an Antibody combine Site (published in Science) by Gary J. Wedemayer, Phillip A. Patten, Leo H. Wang, Peter G. Schultz, and Raymond C. Stevens. This paper is dedicated to exploring and explaining (in lay terms), the research presented at groundwork this paper. To continue with the exploration, click on the forward arrow at the bottom of this page. To go to any point in the site instantly, click on the interrelates at the bottom of the page. To return to t he BLC homepage click on the slow-witted arrow at the bottom of this page or on the link BLC at the bottom of the page. Words in orange mean rubric terms which may be looked up by clicking on the polish link at the bottom of the page. Words in yellow represent links to other pages within this site, while words in beamy blue represent external links. As soon as a foreign molecule enters the human body, the immune system immediately takes over. The foreign body, also known as an antigen, can be anything from a innocent macromolecule to an infectious agent. The body sends B-cells with surface receptor proteins, known as antibodies, to bind to the antigens with the hope of inducing a specialized immune retort (see diagram below). Each B-cell has surface ... ...t. The attach potential of a specific antibody is greatly expanded by the ability of seminal fluid line antibodies to endure further mutation and adopt more than one combining-site configuration. The results i mply that there is an entirely new level of antigen recognition that takes place after the germ line antibody has bound to its antigen, and that this new level of recognition significantly increases the binding potential and effectiveness of the antibody. * ReferencesWedmayer, Gary J., Phillup A. Pattern, Leo H. Wang, Peter G. Schultz, and Raymond C. Stevens. Structural Insights into the Evolution of an Antibody Combining Site. Science 13 June 1997 166-1669.Raven, Peter H., and George B. Johnson. Biology Fourth Edition. Dubuque, IA Wm. C. Publishers, 1996.Kuby, Janis. Immunology Second Edition. newborn York W.H. Freedman and Company, 1994.