Genetic rearrangement

Definition

Genetic rearrangement involves the reorganization of genetic material, particularly in lymphocytes, to produce diverse antigen receptors. It plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune response by generating unique T and B cell receptors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Genetic rearrangement is essential for generating the diversity of antibodies and T-cell receptors needed for effective immune responses.
2. In B lymphocytes, genetic rearrangement occurs during B cell development in the bone marrow.
3. T lymphocytes undergo genetic rearrangement in the thymus to produce diverse T-cell receptors (TCRs).
4. The process relies on recombination-activating genes (RAG1 and RAG2) that facilitate the cutting and splicing of DNA segments.
5. Errors in genetic rearrangement can lead to immunodeficiencies or contribute to certain cancers like leukemia.

Review Questions

Related terms

Somatic Hypermutation:

A process that introduces mutations into antibody genes, increasing antibody affinity.

Clonal Selection:

The process by which an immune cell with a specific receptor proliferates in response to its antigen.

VDJ Recombination:

Mechanism of genetic recombination in developing lymphocytes that generates diverse antigen receptor repertoires.