Question

Oligodendrocytes progenitors are identified by \(\mathbf{A 2 B 5}\) antibody whereas pre-oligodendrocytes are identified by 04 antibody. a. True b. False

Short answer

Answer: True

Step-by-step solution

Oligodendrocyte progenitors are precursor cells that give rise to mature oligodendrocytes, which produce myelin in the central nervous system. Pre-oligodendrocytes are intermediate cells in the development of oligodendrocytes. Antibodies are blood proteins that can specifically recognize and bind to target molecules, such as cell-surface markers. In this case, the A2B5 and 04 antibodies are used to identify oligodendrocyte progenitors and pre-oligodendrocytes, respectively. #Step 2: Verify the statement's correctness for oligodendrocyte progenitors#

It is true that oligodendrocyte progenitors are identified by the A2B5 antibody. This antibody recognizes the proteoglycan NG2 on the cell surface, which is a marker for oligodendrocyte progenitors. #Step 3: Verify the statement's correctness for pre-oligodendrocytes#

Pre-oligodendrocytes are indeed identified by the 04 antibody. The 04 antibody binds to galactocerebroside (GalC), a marker that is specifically expressed on the cell surface of pre-oligodendrocytes. #Step 4: Determine if the statement is true or false#

Both parts of the statement are correct: the A2B5 antibody identifies oligodendrocyte progenitors, and the 04 antibody identifies pre-oligodendrocytes. Therefore, the statement is: a. True

Key concepts

Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
They are crucial in identifying specific proteins on cell surfaces.
In laboratory settings, they are often used to label and study various cell types. Scientists take advantage of an antibody's unique ability to bind to specific molecules. This makes antibodies excellent tools for identifying specific cell types during research.
For instance, in the context of oligodendrocytes, certain antibodies can target and bind to particular markers on progenitor and pre-oligodendrocyte cell surfaces.

• The A2B5 antibody recognizes NG2 proteoglycan found on oligodendrocyte progenitors.
• The 04 antibody binds to galactocerebroside (GalC), a marker expressed on pre-oligodendrocytes.

These precise interactions help researchers identify and differentiate between stages of cell development.

Oligodendrocyte Progenitors

Oligodendrocyte progenitors, also known as precursor cells, are the initial stage in the development of oligodendrocytes.
They play a vital role in the central nervous system by eventually transforming into mature oligodendrocytes.
Mature oligodendrocytes are responsible for producing myelin, a crucial component that insulates nerve fibers and ensures efficient signal transmission. Identifying oligodendrocyte progenitors is achieved using the A2B5 antibody.
This antibody attaches to the NG2 protein on the cell surface, marking the cells as progenitors.

• These cells are essential for neural repair and regeneration.
• They can migrate to areas of need, such as sites of injury, to regenerate lost or damaged myelin.

Understanding these progenitor cells is critical for exploring therapies related to neural diseases.

Pre-Oligodendrocytes

Pre-oligodendrocytes are an intermediate stage in the maturation of oligodendrocytes.
These cells are a transitional form that will eventually become mature oligodendrocytes, which fulfill the important function of myelin production. Identifying pre-oligodendrocytes is done with the 04 antibody.
The 04 antibody binds to galactocerebroside (GalC), which is specific to this cell stage.

• Pre-oligodendrocytes highlight a critical developmental process in neuronal growth and repair.
• They hold potential for further understanding and treating demyelinating conditions like multiple sclerosis.

By studying pre-oligodendrocytes, researchers can better understand the development and repair processes of the nervous system.