Antibody Applications and ELISA

These flashcards cover key concepts related to antibodies, blood typing, and ELISA techniques.

Antibody

A protein made during an immune response that specifically recognizes and binds to an antigen.

Clonal Selection Theory

Theory that suggests individuals are born with a population of B cells capable of producing antibodies against any antigen.

Memory B Cells

B cells that remain long after an infection, enabling faster immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same antigen.

Plasma Cells

Activated B cells that secrete antibodies into the bloodstream.

Hemagglutination

The clumping of red blood cells in response to antibody binding, indicating a positive blood type reaction.

Rh Factor

A protein on red blood cell surface that can cause immune reactions if an Rh- mother carries an Rh+ fetus.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

A diagnostic tool used to determine the presence of antigens or antibodies in a sample.

Primary Antibody

An antibody that binds directly to its specific antigen.

Secondary Antibody

An antibody that binds to primary antibodies, often linked to a detectable label.

ABO Blood Groups

Classification of blood based on the presence of A and B carbohydrates on red blood cells.

Blood Type A

Characterized by the presence of A antigens on red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.

Blood Type B

Characterized by the presence of B antigens on red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in the plasma.

Blood Type AB

Characterized by the presence of both A and B antigens on red blood cells and no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma.

Blood Type O

Characterized by the absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells, but with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma.

Rh-positive (Rh+) Blood

Blood that contains the Rh antigen on the surface of red blood cells.

Rh-negative (Rh-) Blood

Blood that lacks the Rh antigen on the surface of red blood cells.