Mechanism of V(D)J Recombination

For Immunology Chapter 7 Day 2

1. Draw figure 7-5 and then explain why the V and J segments are capable of being recombined in light chains, but not heavy chains, of BCRs.
2. When two V region segments are joined together, the sequence between the V and J, V and D (as well as D and J segments) are sometimes lost as a circular plasmid.  At other times, the sequence between these segments is inverted.  What is it about the joining of the segments determines the outcome of the intervening sequence?
3. The five mechanisms that generate antibody diversity in naïve B cells are concisely described on page 239.  Imagine that you are teaching a non-immunology student. Write a paragraph for each mechanism describing how you would teach this material.