Question:
What factor is responsible for deciding whether an antibody will remain membrane bound or get secreted?
What factor is responsible for deciding whether an antibody will remain membrane bound or get secreted?
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One heavy-chain transcript, two endings: it is decided during RNA processing.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Carbohydrate content
- Class switching
- Differential RNA splicing
- Surface charge
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The heavy-chain gene of an immunoglobulin can produce either a membrane-bound form (with a hydrophobic transmembrane anchor) or a secreted form (without the anchor).
Step 2: The choice between these two forms is set at the level of the primary RNA transcript by differential (alternative) RNA splicing and choice of polyadenylation site of the same heavy-chain gene.
Step 3: If the transcript retains the exons encoding the hydrophobic C-terminal transmembrane segment, the antibody stays anchored as a B-cell receptor; if those exons are spliced out and an earlier poly-A site is used, a soluble secreted antibody is made.
Step 4: Class switching (option B) changes the isotype (IgM to IgG, etc.), not the membrane-versus-secreted decision. Carbohydrate content and surface charge do not govern this choice.
Conclusion: The deciding factor is differential RNA splicing, option C, matching the printed key.
Step 2: The choice between these two forms is set at the level of the primary RNA transcript by differential (alternative) RNA splicing and choice of polyadenylation site of the same heavy-chain gene.
Step 3: If the transcript retains the exons encoding the hydrophobic C-terminal transmembrane segment, the antibody stays anchored as a B-cell receptor; if those exons are spliced out and an earlier poly-A site is used, a soluble secreted antibody is made.
Step 4: Class switching (option B) changes the isotype (IgM to IgG, etc.), not the membrane-versus-secreted decision. Carbohydrate content and surface charge do not govern this choice.
Conclusion: The deciding factor is differential RNA splicing, option C, matching the printed key.
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