IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENE Meaning and
Definition
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Immunoglobulin gene refers to a segment of DNA that encodes the instructions for the production of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies. Immunoglobulins are proteins that play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to recognize and neutralize foreign substances, such as pathogens and toxins.
The immunoglobulin gene is responsible for the genetic diversity exhibited by antibodies, enabling them to recognize a wide array of antigens. The gene is organized into several regions, including variable (V), diversity (D), joining (J), and constant (C) regions. Through a process called somatic recombination, these gene segments are shuffled and combined in different combinations to generate an extensive repertoire of immunoglobulins with unique antigen-binding properties.
The immunoglobulin gene is located on chromosome 14 in humans. Mutations or abnormalities in this gene can lead to various immune system disorders, including immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Studying the immunoglobulin gene has been instrumental in understanding the mechanisms of adaptive immunity and has contributed to the development of therapeutic antibodies for treating various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.
In summary, the immunoglobulin gene is a DNA segment that encodes the necessary information for the synthesis of immunoglobulins. It allows the immune system to generate a diverse range of antibodies, essential for recognizing and neutralizing foreign substances and maintaining overall immune function.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENE
- ummunoglobulin gene
- jmmunoglobulin gene
- kmmunoglobulin gene
- ommunoglobulin gene
- 9mmunoglobulin gene
- 8mmunoglobulin gene
- inmunoglobulin gene
- ikmunoglobulin gene
- ijmunoglobulin gene
- imnunoglobulin gene
- imkunoglobulin gene
- imjunoglobulin gene
- immynoglobulin gene
- immhnoglobulin gene
- immjnoglobulin gene
- imminoglobulin gene
- imm8noglobulin gene
- imm7noglobulin gene
- immuboglobulin gene
- immumoglobulin gene
Etymology of IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENE
The word "immunoglobulin" has its roots in Latin and Greek. "Immunus" in Latin means "exempt" or "free from", and "globulus" means "little globe". "Immunoglobulin" was coined in 1948 by scientist Gerald Edelman to refer to the class of proteins that play a crucial role in the immune system.
The term "gene" is derived from the Greek word "genos", meaning "birth" or "origin". It was coined by Danish botanist Wilhelm Ludvig Johannsen in the early 20th century to describe the basic unit of heredity that carries genetic information.
Therefore, "immunoglobulin gene" refers to the specific gene that encodes for the production of immunoglobulin proteins, which are essential components of the immune system.
