heavy chains


heavy chains

The large polypeptide chains of antibodies. See: heavy chain diseaseSee also: chain

heavy chains

Polypeptides forming the main part of the Y structure of an ANTIBODY, including the stalk and the inner edges of the two upper arms. Each heavy chain contains one variable region and three or four fixed domains. Attached to the outer side of the upper arm parts of the heavy chains are the two LIGHT CHAINS. The area between the free upper ends of the two pairs of chains is known as the N terminal. This is the antigen combining site and is the variable part of the antibody allowing for the enormous range of different specificities.