Disulfide bonds

Definition

Disulfide bonds are covalent bonds that form between the sulfur atoms of two cysteine amino acids, stabilizing protein structures. In adaptive immunity, these bonds play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of antibodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Disulfide bonds help stabilize the tertiary and quaternary structures of antibodies.
2. These bonds are essential for the proper folding and functionality of immunoglobulins.
3. Disulfide bonds are formed through oxidation reactions between cysteine residues.
4. In antibody structure, disulfide bonds link heavy chains to light chains and also connect heavy chains together.
5. The formation and rearrangement of disulfide bonds can influence antigen binding affinity and immune response.

Review Questions

• How do disulfide bonds contribute to the stability of antibody structures?
• What type of chemical reaction leads to the formation of disulfide bonds?
• Why are disulfide bonds important for the function of immunoglobulins?

Related terms

Cysteine: An amino acid containing a thiol group that can form disulfide bonds.

Immunoglobulin: A type of antibody involved in recognizing and neutralizing pathogens.

Tertiary Structure:

The three-dimensional shape formed by interactions within a single polypeptide chain, including disulfide bond formations.