The V-D-J Recombination Process Used to Generate Antigen Receptor Diversity

question 17

Essay

The V-D-J recombination process used to generate antigen receptor diversity in vertebrates is believed to have evolved from a transposon. How does this hypothesis explain why the recombination signal sequences of the antigen receptor gene segments are joined precisely during the recombination process, whereas the cut ends that are joined to form the antigen receptor coding sequence are joined by an error-prone process?

---

Definitions:

Specimen

A sample of something, such as body tissue, blood, or urine, used for analysis or diagnosis.

Photometer

An instrument used to measure the intensity of light or optical properties of solutions.

Light Intensity

The measure of brightness of a source of light, potentially affecting mood, health, and the ability to perform tasks.

Analytic Laboratory Equipment

Tools and devices used in a laboratory setting to perform analysis and research on samples.