immunoglobulin

(noun)

any of the glycoproteins in blood serum that respond to invasion by foreign antigens and that protect the host by removing pathogens; also known as an antibody

Related Terms

Examples of immunoglobulin in the following topics:

  • Antibody Structure

    • Ig stands for immunoglobulin, another term for an antibody.
    • The properties of immunoglobulins and their basic structures are shown in the table .
    • Immunoglobulins (antibody classes) have different functions, but all are composed of light and heavy chains that form a Y-shaped structure.

  • Labor and Birth

    • The milk contains nutrients for the baby's development and growth as well as immunoglobulins to protect the child from bacterial and viral infections.

  • Digestive System: Mouth and Stomach

    • Saliva also contains immunoglobulins and lysozymes, which have antibacterial action to reduce tooth decay by inhibiting growth of some bacteria.

  • Humoral Immune Response

    • An antibody, also known as an immunoglobulin (Ig), is a protein that is produced by plasma cells after stimulation by an antigen.

  • Human Gestation

    • Some of the mother's immunoglobulins will pass through the placenta, providing passive immunity against some potential infections.