antibody molecule

thingiverse

Discover the structure of immunoglobulin G (IgG), a protective antibody class. The model demonstrates its Y-shape, consisting of two heavy chains and two light chains per arm. Derived from IgG1 x-ray crystallographic data, the molecular surface portrays a continuous surface with each individual molecule fused. Note that if left unaltered, the model is approximately 6.2 million times larger than an actual IgG. Each arm binds to a target antigen, enabling a single IgG to attach to two identical antigens. Explore more about antibodies online or try making your own gold-painted version as a gift! To create this model, molecular visualization software was used with a file from the Protein Databank (PDB), and Chimera was employed to apply a molecular surface while hiding other viewing options. Improvements for future models include a two-color representation of heavy and light chains.