heavy chain

noun Immunology.

either of an identical pair of Y-shaped polypeptides that, together with the light chains, constitute the antibody molecule.
Also called H chain

Origin of heavy chain

First recorded in 1960–65

Words nearby heavy chain

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British Dictionary definitions for h chain

heavy chain

noun

immunol a type of polypeptide chain present in an immunoglobulin molecule

Medical definitions for h chain

heavy chain
[ hĕv′ē ]

n.

The larger of the two types of polypeptide chains in immunoglobulins, consisting of an antigen-binding portion having a variable amino acid sequence, and a constant region that defines the antibody class.

Scientific definitions for h chain

heavy chain
[ hĕv′ē ]

The larger of the two types of polypeptide chains in an immunoglobulin molecule. A heavy chain consists of an antigen-binding portion having a variable amino acid sequence, and a constant region that is different for each class of imunoglobulin. Each heavy chain is one of a Y-shaped identical pair and is attached along its variable region to a smaller light chain. Compare light chain.