Primaarivastaaine

Primaarivastaaine, often translated as primary antibody, is a crucial tool in immunological research and diagnostics. It is an antibody that directly binds to a specific antigen of interest, such as a protein, peptide, or carbohydrate found on a cell surface, within a cell, or in a sample. This direct binding is the foundation for many immunoassay techniques.

The specificity of a primary antibody is paramount. It is typically raised in an animal, such as a rabbit, mouse, or goat, by injecting the animal with the target antigen. The animal's immune system then produces antibodies against this antigen. These antibodies are subsequently purified and can be used in various laboratory applications.

Common applications of primary antibodies include Western blotting, where they detect specific proteins separated by electrophoresis; immunohistochemistry, which visualizes antigens in tissue samples; immunofluorescence, which uses fluorescently labeled primary antibodies to locate antigens within cells; and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), a versatile technique for detecting and quantifying the presence of antigens or antibodies.

The selection of a primary antibody is critical for the success of an experiment. Factors such as the antibody's specificity, sensitivity, clonality (monoclonal or polyclonal), and the host species in which it was raised are carefully considered. The host species is important because it influences the choice of a secondary antibody, if one is used in a particular assay.