Question

Which of the following is used to generate diversity in the antibody repertoire?

Select one:

a. Presence of multiple variable gene segments that can be assembled in multiple different combinations

b. Addition of N nucleotides that are not encoded in the germ line

c. Exonuclease trimming of excess nucleotides at variable segment junctions

d. Ability to pair a single heavy chain with different light chains, so as to avoid generation of autoreactive antibodies

e. All of the above

Answer 1

• e. All of the above.
  • Presence of multiple variable gene segments that can be assembled in multiple different combinations.
  • Addition of N nucleotides that are encoded in the germ line.
  • Exonuclease trimming of excess nucleotides at variable segment junctions.
  • Ability to pair a single heavy chain with different light chains, so as to avoid generation of autoreactive antibodies.