Question

A mechanism known as ?[blank 1] is responsible for the ?[blank 2] of lymphocyte antigen receptors, and affects the protein structure of the ?[blank 3] region of these molecules.

a) Somatic hypermutation
b) Gene rearrangement
c) Clonal expansion
d) Combinatorial diversity

Answer 1

Gene rearrangement is responsible for the diversity of lymphocyte antigen receptors, affecting the variable region structure and enabling a wide range of antigen recognition.

Step-by-step explanation:

A mechanism known as gene rearrangement is responsible for the diversity of lymphocyte antigen receptors, and affects the protein structure of the variable region of these molecules. During the maturation of B cells, DNA recombinase enzymes enact gene rearrangement by excising and randomly recombining V, D, and J gene segments for the heavy chain, and V and J gene segments for the light chain of antibodies, forming the variable region capable of binding to different antigens. This process contributes to the creation of a vast array of unique antigen receptors that can recognize a multitude of pathogens.