For Immunology How would a mutation that prevents the produc

For Immunology: How would a mutation that prevents the production of lambda light chains affect an individual?

Solution

Antibodies may contain either kappa or lambda light chain. The ratio of kappa : lambda light chain bearing antibodies in human beings is ~3:1. Moreover, each type of these two antibodies can increase in the absence of the other type. Therefore, a mutation that prevents the production of lambda light chains is likely to little affect an individual\'s immune functions.