FAB FRAGMENTS Meaning and
Definition
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Fab fragments refer to the two identical fragments that are generated when an antibody molecule is enzymatically cleaved. These fragments are produced by proteolytic cleavage of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies with papain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from the papaya tree. The term "Fab" is derived from the antigen-binding fragment of the antibody.
Each Fab fragment consists of a complete light chain (κ or λ) and a portion of the heavy chain, connected by a disulfide bond. The Fab region contains the variable domains of both the heavy and light chains, responsible for antigen binding. This fragment retains the ability to bind specifically to its target antigen.
Fab fragments are crucial in various immunoassays and research experiments. They can be utilized as reagents in techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Due to their smaller size compared to intact antibodies, Fab fragments have improved tissue penetration and decreased non-specific background binding in immunoassays.
Moreover, Fab fragments have proven valuable in therapeutic applications. They can be engineered or conjugated with different molecules to enhance drug delivery, such as anti-cancer drugs or toxins, specifically targeting diseased cells. Their reduced molecular weight also allows for easier manufacturing, purification, and storage compared to intact antibodies.
In summary, Fab fragments are versatile antibody fragments that maintain antigen-binding specificity. They have extensive applications in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics, contributing significantly to the fields of immunology and molecular biology.
Common Misspellings for FAB FRAGMENTS
- dab fragments
- cab fragments
- vab fragments
- gab fragments
- tab fragments
- rab fragments
- fzb fragments
- fsb fragments
- fwb fragments
- fqb fragments
- fav fragments
- fan fragments
- fah fragments
- fag fragments
- fab dragments
- fab cragments
- fab vragments
- fab gragments
- fab tragments
- fab rragments
Etymology of FAB FRAGMENTS
The word "Fab Fragments" consists of two parts: "Fab" and "Fragments".
The term "Fab" is derived from the word "fragment antigen-binding". It refers to a specific region of an antibody molecule that binds to antigens, which are foreign substances or microorganisms that provoke an immune response.
The word "Fragments" is of Latin origin and refers to smaller pieces or parts resulting from the division or breaking of a whole. In the context of Fab Fragments, it signifies the portion of an antibody molecule that remains after enzymatic cleavage, creating two smaller fragments called Fab fragments.
Therefore, the etymology of "Fab Fragments" is a combination of the shortened form of "fragment antigens-binding" and the Latin term "fragments", denoting the smaller components resulting from the cleavage of an antibody molecule.
