Immunoglobulins, or antibody molecules, have an important role in the immune system - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 1
Immunoglobulins, or antibody molecules, have an important role in the immune system. They are made up of two heavy chains and two light chains.
a. Name the molecula... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Immunoglobulins, or antibody molecules, have an important role in the immune system - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 1 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. Name the molecular monomer of these chains.
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Answer
The molecular monomer of immunoglobulin chains is the amino acid.
Step 2
b. Give the name of each structure in the boxes provided.
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Answer
The structure pointing to the upper box is the 'beta-pleated sheet', while the lower box references an 'alpha helix'.
Step 3
c. Referring to the diagram, explain what ‘quaternary’ means.
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Answer
A quaternary structure refers to the assembly of two or more polypeptide/protein chains, which occurs due to the presence of the heavy and light chains in the immunoglobulin molecule.
