How many antigens can a normal antibody bind?
1 Answer
Each antibody binds to a specific antigen, an interaction similar to a lock and key.
Explanation:
There are several types of antigens and antibodies , but the specificity of the binding is due to specific chemical constitution of each antibody.
The epitope ( antigenic determinant ) is recognised by the paratope of the antibody. This is situated in the variable region of the polypeptide chain. This variable region has hyper variable regions which are unique amino acid sequences in each antibody.
Paratopes and epitopes define complementary regions of shape and change rather than particular amino acid composition.
Antigens are bound to antibodies through weak and non covalent interactions like :
- electrostatic interactions.
- Hydrogen bonds
- Van dear Waals forces
- hydrophobic interactions.
