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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heavy chain

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

The variable domain determines binding specificity and the constant domain of the heavy chain determines the immunological mechanism of action of the corresponding antibody class.

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 punch in the code, and the heavy chain link abruptly separates.

From Washington Post ● Feb. 7, 2018

Suddenly I heard the loud sound of what must have been a heavy chain dragging.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals

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