Polyclonal antibodies

Definition

Polyclonal antibodies are a mixture of antibodies produced by different B cell clones in the body, each recognizing a different epitope on the same antigen. They are commonly used in research and diagnostic laboratories to detect antigens due to their high sensitivity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Polyclonal antibodies can recognize multiple epitopes on a single antigen, which increases their binding strength.
2. They are typically produced by immunizing an animal with an antigen and then collecting the serum.
3. Polyclonal antibodies are less specific than monoclonal antibodies but offer higher sensitivity for detecting antigens.
4. They can be used in various laboratory techniques including ELISA, Western Blotting, and Immunohistochemistry.
5. The production of polyclonal antibodies is generally faster and less expensive compared to monoclonal antibodies.

Review Questions

• What is the primary advantage of polyclonal antibodies over monoclonal antibodies?
• How are polyclonal antibodies typically produced?
• In what laboratory techniques are polyclonal antibodies commonly used?

Related terms

Monoclonal Antibodies:

Antibodies derived from a single B cell clone that recognize a single epitope on an antigen.

Epitope:

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): A plate-based assay technique for detecting and quantifying soluble substances such as proteins, peptides, or hormones using antibody-antigen interactions.