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Figure 1 | Cell Communication and Signaling

Figure 1

From: Ways and means of coping with uncertainties of the relationship of the genetic blue print to protein structure and function in the cell

Figure 1

Binding promiscuity of a monoclonal antibody. One and the same monoclonal antibody has different binding sites for antigens, each of which can bind to structurally different antigens. The same antibody has two conformations, 1 and 2. Conformation 1 has binding sites with a shallow groove, which can accommodate even a protein antigen, (antigen 1). The same antibody can assume conformation 2 with a deeper binding site, which fits aromatic haptens, such as a DNP, a dinitrophenyl - hapten, antigen 2. Antibodies with such flexible, promiscuous, binding sites are in allosteric equilibrium. This scheme is a simplified version of a scheme of Foote, J. 2003. Isomeric Antibodies. Science. 229: 1327-1328) and was first shown with approval of the author and the AAAS in my forthcoming book in German: <Von Molekülen zu Zellen. 100 Jahre experimentelle Biologie. Betrachtungen eines Biochemikers>. It is shown here with permission of the GNT Verlag für Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften und der Technik. Diepholz. Stuttgart, Berlin.

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Cell Communication and Signaling

ISSN: 1478-811X