IgG antibody molecule
An IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
Also known as: IgG, immunoglobulin G, antibody
How big is it?
14.5 nm · representative maximum molecular span
Representative maximum molecular span · representative model
Typical recorded range: 13 nm to 16 nm.
A little perspective
IgG antibody molecule vs Ribosome: length comparison
The characteristic size of a ribosome is about 1.72 times the maximum molecular span of an IgG antibody molecule.
An IgG antibody molecule is a Y-shaped protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralise foreign substances.
A ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
IgG antibody molecule
Representative maximum molecular span: 14.5 nm; representative model; range 13 nm–16 nm.
A representative immunoglobulin G molecule about 14.5 nm across its maximum projected Y-shaped span. Protein conformation is flexible and the illustration is a molecular surface model, not a hard-edged object.
RCSB Protein Data Bank — Antibody structure
The marked representative maximum molecular span is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Ribosome
Characteristic size: 25 nm; representative.
A chosen 25 nm ribosome. Size depends on organism and subunit state.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 14.5 nm
We compare the maximum molecular span of an IgG antibody molecule. This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary. The recorded range is 13 nm to 16 nm.
A representative immunoglobulin G molecule about 14.5 nm across its maximum projected Y-shaped span. Protein conformation is flexible and the illustration is a molecular surface model, not a hard-edged object.
The marked horizontal span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.5 nm | 13 nm to 16 nm | representative model |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsDNA double helix2 nmHelix diameterDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsRibosome25 nmCharacteristic sizeA ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- RCSB Protein Data Bank — Antibody structureIgG has a flexible Y-shaped architecture; the atlas uses a representative maximum projected molecular span.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MicroscopicDNA double helix2 nmDNA is the molecule that stores hereditary information in living organisms.MicroscopicRibosome25 nmA ribosome is a molecular machine that builds proteins by reading instructions carried by messenger RNA.
MicroscopicVirus100 nmA virus is an infectious particle containing genetic material inside a protein coat, sometimes with an outer envelope.
MicroscopicInfluenza virion100 nmAn influenza virion is a single infectious particle of the influenza virus, consisting of genetic material inside a lipid envelope.
MicroscopicBacteriophage T4200 nmBacteriophage T4 is a virus that infects bacteria.
MicroscopicGlucose molecule1 nmA glucose molecule is a simple sugar used by living cells as a source of chemical energy.
Fundamental physicsBohr radius52.92 pmThe Bohr radius is a fundamental physical constant representing the most probable distance between the nucleus and the electron in a hydrogen atom according to early quantum theory.
MicroscopicWater molecule280 pmA water molecule is a group of two hydrogen atoms bonded to one oxygen atom.