Immunoglobulin structure and function as revealed by electron microscopy.
Electron-microscopic (EM) analysis preceded crystallographic analysis [1,2] of Igs by over a decade and was for a time the only direct way of analyzing their 3-D molecular structure. Once the X-ray structures were deduced, the role of EM gradually shifted from gross structural analysis to the addressing of more sophisticated structural and functional questions. EM remains a vital adjunct to the many physicochemical, biochemical, and serological tools brought to bear on these remarkable molecules as we try to relate form to function. In this review I will highlight some of the many contributions that have been made possible by virtue of being able to 'see' Ig molecules and immune complexes.
Roux
K H
KH
Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4370, USA.
D000818:Animals; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins