What is the function of immunoglobulin M?

Answer 1

The normal RDW ( width of each Red Blood Cell) level is 10.2 to 14.5%. It is important to keep in mind that the ranges mentioned above will be different depending on the machine used to do the blood test. Immunoglobulin M, or IgM for short, is a basic antibody that is produced by B cells. It is the first antibody to appear in response to initial exposure to an antigen (foreign substance).

Answer 2

It functions to defend the body against pathogens. It is the initial immunoglobulin that responds and is more dominant in the first exposure. on the second exposure to the same pathogen. IgG is more dominant.

Answer 3

1. Antigen binding

Immunoglobulins bind specifically to one or a few closely related antigens. Each immunoglobulin actually binds to a specific antigenic determinant. Antigen binding by antibodies is the primary function of antibodies and can result in protection of the host. The valency of antibody refers to the number of antigenic determinants that an individual antibody molecule can bind. The valency of all antibodies is at least two and in some instances more.

B. Effector Functions

Frequently the binding of an antibody to an antigen has no direct biological effect. Rather, the significant biological effects are a consequence of secondary "effector functions" of antibodies. The immunoglobulins mediate a variety of these effector functions. Usually the ability to carry out a particular effector function requires that the antibody bind to its antigen. Not every immunoglobulin will mediate all effector functions. Such effector functions include:

A. Fixation of complement - This results in lysis of cells and release of biologically active molecules )

B. Binding to various cell types - Phagocytic cells, lymphocytes, platelets, mast cells, and basophils have receptors that bind immunoglobulins. This binding can activate the cells to perform some function. Some immunoglobulins also bind to receptors on placental trophoblasts, which results in transfer of the immunoglobulin across the placenta. As a result, the transferred maternal antibodies provide immunity to the fetus and newborn

Answer 4

Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the first antibody produced during an immune response. It is primarily involved in the early stages of infection and activates the complement system to help destroy pathogens. IgM also serves as a signal to trigger other immune cells to respond to the infection.