Fig. 2: Structure of the Antibody IgG

The Fab portion of the antibody has specificity for binding an epitope of an antigen. The Fc portion directs the biological activity of the antibody. In the case of IgG, the Fc portion can bind to phagocytes for enhanced attachment (opsonization) as well as activate the classical complement pathway. Antibodies are composed of 4 protein chains: 2 identical heavy chains and 2 identical light chains. Disulfide (S-S) bonds join the protein chains together.