heavy chain

American  

noun

Immunology.

1. either of an identical pair of Y -shaped polypeptides that, together with the light chains, constitute the antibody molecule.

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heavy chain British  

noun

1. immunol a type of polypeptide chain present in an immunoglobulin molecule

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heavy chain Scientific  

/ hĕv′ē /

1. The larger of the two types of polypeptide chains in an immunoglobulin molecule. A heavy chain consists of an antigen-binding portion having a variable amino acid sequence, and a constant region that is different for each class of imunoglobulin. Each heavy chain is one of a Y-shaped identical pair and is attached along its variable region to a smaller light chain.

2. Compare light chain

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Etymology

Origin of heavy chain

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The NYPD’s deputy commissioner for public information, Tarik Sheppard, who appeared with the mayor, held up a heavy chain.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024

IgA and IgD also have three constant domains per heavy chain, whereas IgM and IgE each have four constant domains per heavy chain.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A few weeks later, debt collectors locked the doors with a heavy chain.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2018

I remember dragging that cold, heavy chain out, and trying to put my hands up but also trying to cover myself at the same time.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2016

Beside the door swung an ornate oil lamp on a heavy chain, with a globe of leaded red glass.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin