Final answer:
V(D)J recombination is a genetic process that occurs during the maturation of B and T lymphocytes. It involves the rearrangement of V, D, and J gene segments to create diverse immunoglobulin antibody molecules and T cell receptor antigen-binding sites.
Step-by-step explanation:
V(D)J recombination is a process that occurs during the maturation of immune cells called B and T lymphocytes. It involves the rearrangement of V (variable), D (diversity), and J (joining) gene segments to create diverse immunoglobulin antibody molecules.
In B cells, the recombination of V and J segments in the light chain gene generates over 10^6 possible combinations, resulting in unique variable chains for each differentiated B cell in the human body.
Similarly, in T cells, the rearrangement of V, D, and J segments in the TCR gene leads to millions of unique antigen-binding sites. This genetic rearrangement provides the necessary diversity for these immune cells to recognize and eliminate invading antigens.