ANTIBODIES (IMMUNOGLOBINS)

ANTIBODIES (IMMUNOGLOBINS)

 are a heterogeneous group of proteins that contain carbohydrates.
 Have sedimentation coefficients ranging from 75-195.
 Are found predomination in the gamma globulin fraction of serum;  some antibodies are also found in α and β globulin fractions.
 Consist of polypeptides chains linked by disulfide bonds, such that each antibody contains a minimum of two heavy (H) chains and two identical light (L) chains.
 Have interchain disulfide bonds holding the chain together (i.e., L to H and H to H).
 Have antigen-binding capacity defined by their specific H and L chains.