Immunoglobulin idiotypic diversity is best explained by which theory?

Immunoglobulin idiotypic diversity refers to the unique antigen-binding sites formed on immunoglobulins due to variations in the variable regions of heavy and light chain genes. Germ line recombination is a critical process in the initial development of these immunoglobulins, as it involves the recombination of gene segments to form functional immunoglobulin genes before they undergo further modifications.

During B-cell development, germ line DNA undergoes rearrangements where different gene segments (V, D, J segments) are combined, leading to the production of a diverse repertoire of antibodies. These rearrangements occur in the germ line of the B cells and establish the basic framework for the antibody's specificity. This diversity is crucial for the immune system's ability to recognize a vast array of antigens.

While somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation are processes that contribute to the evolution of antibody affinity after initial antigen exposure, they are not responsible for the base level of idiotypic diversity. Gene rearrangement, while closely related to germ line recombination, refers more generally to the processes of genetic recombination that can occur after the B cells have been activated. Thus, germ line recombination is the foundational mechanism that gives rise to the initial idiotypic diversity needed for an