Final answer:
Affinity maturation is a process in which B cells undergo mutations in their immunoglobulin gene variable regions, resulting in an increased frequency of B cell chain mutations. This process allows for the production of antibodies with higher affinity for antigens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Affinity maturation is a process in which B cells undergo mutations in their immunoglobulin gene variable regions, resulting in B cells with slightly altered antigen-binding sites. These mutations lead to an increased frequency of B cell chain mutations. When a B cell is re-exposed to an antigen, those B cells capable of producing antibodies with higher affinity antigen-binding sites will be stimulated to proliferate and produce more antibody.
For example, when lab animals are injected with an antigen, the second injection activates memory cells that make class IgG antibodies against the antigen. The memory cells also undergo affinity maturation, resulting in a pool of antibodies with higher average affinity. This process allows for the production of more effective antibodies that can better bind to and neutralize the antigen.
In summary, affinity maturation is an important mechanism in the immune system that leads to the production of antibodies with higher affinity for antigens, achieved through B cell chain mutations.