91.4k views
3 votes
What determines the specificity an antibody has for its antigen?Choose one:

A. polypeptide loops in its variable domains
B. polypeptide loops in its constant domain
C. its Y-shaped, bivalent structure
D. polypeptide loops of its heavy chains
E. polypeptide loops of its light chains

User Igops
by
7.6k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The specificity of an antibody for its antigen is determined by the unique sequences of amino acids in the polypeptide loops of its variable domains.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specificity an antibody has for its antigen is determined by the polypeptide loops in its variable domains. Antibodies are composed of four polypeptides - two heavy chains and two light chains, which together form a Y-shaped structure. The variable domains, found at the ends of these chains, have unique sequences of amino acids that allow the antibody to recognize and bind to specific epitopes on antigens. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is A. polypeptide loops in its variable domains.

User Bhttoan
by
7.4k points