aglutinasyon

Aglutinasyon is a biological process where particles, such as cells or molecules, suspended in a liquid adhere to one another to form larger clumps or aggregates. This phenomenon is commonly observed in immunology, where it plays a crucial role in the body's defense mechanisms. For instance, when antibodies bind to antigens on the surface of bacteria or viruses, they can cross-link these particles, leading to their agglutination. This clumping makes the foreign invaders easier for phagocytic cells to engulf and destroy, and it can also trigger other immune responses.

In laboratory settings, agglutination tests are widely used for diagnostic purposes. These tests exploit the specific binding of antibodies to antigens. For example, blood typing relies on agglutination reactions. Red blood cells possess specific antigens on their surface, and antibodies in a person's plasma can cause these cells to clump if they are incompatible. Similarly, agglutination assays can be used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in a patient's serum, indicating exposure to a particular pathogen. This principle is applied in tests for various infections, such as rheumatoid arthritis or certain viral diseases. The degree of agglutination observed can often be quantified, providing a measure of the strength of the antigen-antibody interaction.