Dictionary > Radial immunodiffusion

Radial immunodiffusion

Definition
noun
A quantitative immunodiffusion technique used to detect the level of protein (antigen) in a sample by measuring the diameter of the ring of precipitin formed by the complex of the protein (antigen) and the antiserum (antibody).
Supplement
The procedure involves placing of a solution of protein (antigen) into a well cut into an agarose gel containing the evenly distributed antiserum (antibody). As the protein (antigen) diffuses out of the well, it complexes with the antiserum (antibody) and forms a precipitin ring, the diameter of which is proportional to the quantity of the protein (antigen) in the well.
Compared with microbial diffusion assays, this technique is less precise as it gives a rather relatively insensitive estimation of the concentration of antigen. However, it has the advantage of specificity. Thus, it can be applied when sensitivity is not required but specificity is, and antibody is plentiful. It is commonly used in clinically detecting levels of blood proteins in a patient.
See also: antigen.


You will also like...

Control of body movement
Control of Body Movement

Some of the body movements can be controlled at will, others cannot. The body has a motor program, which is the pattern ..

Plant biology
Plant Biology

Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

"Opabinia regalis"
The Evolutionary Development of Multicellular Organisms

Multicellular organisms evolved. The first ones were likely in the form of sponges. Multicellularity led to the evolutio..

Lights' Effect on Growth
Lights’ Effect on Growth

This tutorial elaborates on the effect of light on plant growth. It describes how different plants require different amo..

Population Growth and Survivorship
Population Growth and Survivorship

This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

green leaf - close up view
Leaves

Leaves are the major photosynthetic organ of a plant. Apart from that, they are also crucial to water movement. In this ..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics