variable region


noun Immunology.

a configuration in the upper branches of the Y of an antibody molecule, unique in each antibody type, that binds with the determinant of a specific antigen.

Scientific definitions for variable region

variable region

The portion of the amino (NH2) terminal of an antibody's heavy and light chains having a variable amino acid sequence. The structure of the variable region determines the antigenic specificity of the antibody. Compare constant region.