Somatic recombination

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011045",
  "term": "Somatic recombination",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The genetic rearrangement process in developing lymphocytes that assembles functional genes for immunoglobulins and T-cell receptors from a limited set of gene segments. This mechanism, also known as V(D)J recombination, involves cutting and rejoining variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments in a unique combination for each cell. The process generates a vast repertoire of distinct antigen receptors from a relatively small number of inherited gene parts, forming the basis of combinatorial diversity in the adaptive immune system.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "V(D)J recombination",
    "combinatorial diversity",
    "lymphocyte"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1246 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/somatic-recombination/"
}