Unit 1.1(d) - Detecting proteins using antibodies

Question 1

What are antigens?

Answer 1

A foreign protein found on microbes

Question 2

What are antibodies?

Answer 2

• Proteins
• Made by B-lymphocytes as part of the immune repsonse
• Specific to only one antigen

Question 3

What are immunoassays?

Answer 3

Technique used to identify and dectect sppecific proteins

Question 4

Immunoassay steps

Answer 4

1. Antibody specific to the target antigen is bound to the surface of the multiwell plate
2. Sample added and if target antigen is present it will bind to the antibody
3. Antibody specific to to the antigen is linked to a chemical label
4. the label is often a reporter enzyme producing a colour change

Question 5

What is bright field microscopy?

Answer 5

Used to examine whole organisms, parts of organisms, or thin sections of disected or individual cells

Question 6

What is flourescence microscopy?

Answer 6

Uses specific flouresent labels to bind to and visualise certain molecules

Question 7

What do aseptic techniques prevent?

Answer 7

Cross-contamination by unwanted microorganisms