An antibody digested by papain yields two fragments, two Fab fragments and one Fc fragment

Schematic diagram showing Fc receptor interaction with an antibody-coated microbial pathogen

The fragment crystallizable region (Fc region) is a region of an antibody composed of two heavy chains that each contribute three or four constant domains, depending on the class of the antibody.^[1] Image File history File links 2fab_fc. ... Image File history File links 2fab_fc. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... // Fc-receptor(s) Introduction Fc-receptor(s) are structures on the surface of cells and can contribute to the protective functions of the immune system. ... Each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock and key. ... Each antibody binds to a specific antigen; an interaction similar to a lock and key. ...

Function

Fc binds to various cell receptors and complement proteins. In biochemistry, a receptor is a protein on the cell membrane or within the cytoplasm or cell nucleus that binds to a specific molecule (a ligand), such as a neurotransmitter, hormone, or other substance, and initiates the cellular response to the ligand. ... A complement protein attacking an invader. ...

In this way, it mediates different physiological effects of antibodies (opsonization, cell lysis, degranulation of mast cells, basophils and eosinophils and other processes). Physiology (in Greek physis = nature and logos = word) is the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms. ... An opsonin is any molecule that acts as a binding enhancer for the process of phagocytosis. ... Lysis (Greek lusis from luein = to separate) refers to the death of a cell by bursting, often by viral or osmotic mechanisms that compromise the integrity of the cellular membrane. ... A mast cell (or mastocyte) is a resident cell of connective tissue that contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Eosinophil granulocyte Eosinophil granulocytes, commonly referred to as eosinophils (or less commonly as acidophils), are white blood cells that are responsible for combating infection by parasites in the body. ...

See also

• Fab region

An antibody digested by papain yields two fragments, two Fab fragments and one Fc fragment The fragment antigen binding (Fab fragment) is a region on an antibody which binds to antigens. ...

References