antigen: Quick Facts

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Antigens, antibodies, and lymphocytes

Diagram of an antibody molecule showing two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains joined by disulfide bonds in a Y-shaped structure, with labeled regions for antigen binding and effector function.

Diagram showing how the flexible hinge regions of antibody molecules allow them to adjust for better binding to antigens and enable cross-linking, forming large antigen-antibody complexes. Antibodies are depicted binding to antigenic determinants on spherical antigens, illustrating both single and cross-linked interactions.

Diagram of an IgG immunoglobulin showing two heavy chains and two light chains connected by red and green dots representing intra-chain and inter-chain disulfide bonds, with labeled Fab and Fc regions and a note explaining the structure and cleavage points.

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Topics

cell surface antigen Why are there different blood types?epitope incomplete antibody agglutinogen Australia antigen Rh factor H-Y antigen histocompatibility antigen immunogen poison wound endocrine disruptor drug overdose electrical shock carcinogen barotrauma

Key People

Peter B. Medawar, 1960

Sir Peter B. Medawar

British zoologist

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Peter C. Doherty

Australian scientist

Rolf M. Zinkernagel.

Rolf M. Zinkernagel

Swiss scientist

Diversity among heteropterans. lace bug, termite bug, coreid bug, bat bug, toad bug, water strider, backswimmer, bedbug, stinkbug, water scorpion, plant bug, insects

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