How is the human genome able to encode billions of unique antibody molecules from only three gene sets?
What will be an ideal response?
Humans can produce billions of different antibody molecules, each of which can bind to a different antigen. Because there are billions of such combinations, it is impossible for each antibody molecule to be encoded directly in the genome; there simply is not enough DNA in the human genome to encode hundreds of millions or billions of antibodies.
Synthesis of a vast number of different antibodies is possible as a result of genetic recombination in three clusters of antibody genes. These are the heavy-chain genes (H genes) on chromosome 14 and two clusters of light-chain genes—L genes on chromosome 2 and L genes on chromosome 22 . These recombination events take place in B cell nuclei during maturation, producing a unique gene in each B cell that produces one type of antibody. This rearranged gene is stable and is passed on to all daughter B cells. This process of recombination makes it possible to produce billions of possible antibody combinations from only three gene sets.
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