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Which of the following gene segments is NOT found in the mouse Ig light chain loci?

A) V
B)D
C) J
D) All of the above

User FYre
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Final answer:

The D (Diversity) segment is not found in the mouse Ig light chain loci, which only consist of V (Variable) and J (Joining) segments that rearrange to form diverse antibodies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The segment which is NOT found in the mouse immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain loci is the D (Diversity) segment. In Ig light chains, there are V (Variable) and J (Joining) gene segments, but no D segments. These gene segments undergo genetic rearrangement in B cells to allow for the production of antibodies with a vast array of antigen specificities. Specifically, the variable region of the B-cell receptor (BCR) light chain consists of rearrangements between V and J segments, while the heavy chain undergoes additional rearrangement with D segments.

In the light chain, the V and J segments are brought together through a process involving an enzyme called DNA recombinase, and hundreds of unique combinations can result from this. The recombination of gene segments provides the necessary diversity to respond to various antigens.

User Pedroinpeace
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