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

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

Balancing using a band and exercise ball doing pushups with a heavy chain around the neck isn’t for everyone.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 3, 2021

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

He fingered the collar of his order,- a heavy chain worn tight around the neck beneath his robe, each link forged from a different metal.

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