Detecting Proteins using antibodies

Question 1

Antibodies

Answer 1

Bind very specifically to antigens, therefore indicate the presence of a specific protein

Question 2

Antigen

Answer 2

Parts of proteins, and fight off diseases using pathogens

Question 3

Immunoassay

Answer 3

Detecting the presence of a protein through its properties as antigens or antibodies

Question 4

Western blotting

Answer 4

Separated proteins are transferred onto a solid medium. It is then possible to determine if a specific protein is present due to antibodies having radioactive tags

Question 5

ELISA

Answer 5

A labelled antibody specific to the antigen is added and washed out. The antibody has a reporter enzyme attached. If the protein is present in a solution, the enzyme will change colour.

Question 6

Microscopy

Answer 6

Monoclonal antibodies are linked to a fluorescent stain. This can be used to detect proteins in stained tissue

Question 7

Bright field microscopy

Answer 7

White light and coloured stains are used to detect microscopic material