LAMBDA IMMUNOGLOBULINS Meaning and
Definition
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Lambda immunoglobulins, also known as lambda chains or λ-chains, are a type of polypeptide chain that is commonly found in immunoglobulins, which are antibodies produced by plasma cells. Immunoglobulins are vital components of the immune system, serving as recognition molecules that identify and neutralize foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. These molecules are composed of two heavy chains and two light chains, of which there are two types: kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) chains.
Lambda immunoglobulins refer specifically to the light chains of immunoglobulins that contain the lambda region. These chains are typically shorter in length compared to the heavy chains and are crucial in determining the specificity and function of the antibody. Each lambda chain is composed of a constant (C) region and a variable (V) region. The C region is responsible for providing structural stability to the antibody molecule, while the V region is highly variable and contributes to the binding of antigens.
Lambda immunoglobulins, along with kappa immunoglobulins, contribute to the diversity of antibodies by combining with the heavy chains to create a vast repertoire of different antigen-binding sites. This diversity allows the immune system to recognize a wide variety of foreign substances and mount an effective response. The presence of lambda immunoglobulins in the body can be measured using laboratory techniques like electrophoresis or immunoassays, which can aid in the diagnosis of certain diseases, such as multiple myeloma or certain kidney disorders.
Common Misspellings for LAMBDA IMMUNOGLOBULINS
- kambda immunoglobulins
- pambda immunoglobulins
- oambda immunoglobulins
- lzmbda immunoglobulins
- lsmbda immunoglobulins
- lwmbda immunoglobulins
- lqmbda immunoglobulins
- lanbda immunoglobulins
- lakbda immunoglobulins
- lajbda immunoglobulins
- lamvda immunoglobulins
- lamnda immunoglobulins
- lamhda immunoglobulins
- lamgda immunoglobulins
- lambsa immunoglobulins
- lambxa immunoglobulins
- lambca immunoglobulins
- lambfa immunoglobulins
- lambra immunoglobulins
- lambea immunoglobulins
Etymology of LAMBDA IMMUNOGLOBULINS
The word "lambda" in the term "lambda immunoglobulins" refers to one of the two light chains found in an antibody molecule. The term "lambda" itself comes from the Greek letter "λ" or "lambda", which represents the shape of the light chain. In the Greek alphabet, lambda is the eleventh letter. "Immunoglobulins" is derived from the Latin word "immunis", meaning "exempt" or "protected", and the Latin word "globulus", meaning "small sphere" or "little sphere". Thus, "immunoglobulins" literally translates to "exempt spheres" referring to the antibody molecules that play a crucial role in the immune system.
