Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are primarily glycoproteins. This means they are a combination of protein molecules with carbohydrate components attached.
Based on the provided reference, "Antibody (or immunoglobulin) molecules are glycoproteins composed of one or more units, each containing four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy chains (H) and two identical light chains (L)."
This statement highlights two key aspects of their chemical nature:
- Glycoprotein Structure: They are classified as glycoproteins, indicating the presence of both protein and carbohydrate components.
- Polypeptide Composition: The protein part is made up of polypeptide chains. Specifically, each basic immunoglobulin unit contains two types of these chains:
- Heavy chains (H): Larger polypeptide chains.
- Light chains (L): Smaller polypeptide chains.
These chains are linked together to form the characteristic Y-shape of antibodies, but chemically, they are protein chains. The attached carbohydrate structures contribute to the molecule's overall properties and function, classifying it as a glycoprotein.
Here's a breakdown of their main chemical components based on the reference:
| Component Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Protein Chains | Formed by polypeptide chains (Heavy & Light) |
| Carbohydrates | Attached to the protein chains, making them glyco |
Understanding this glycoprotein nature is fundamental to studying how antibodies function within the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign substances like viruses and bacteria.
