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.

---

heavy chain British  

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of heavy chain

First recorded in 1960–65

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

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

Early on, Mark would hurl eggs at the wall and pour milk on the floor, so the Macluskies padlocked the refrigerator with a heavy chain.

From New York Times ● Jul. 31, 2014

The courthouse was surrounded by a heavy chain and patrolled by a strong police force.

From "Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad" by Ann Petry