- #1
sotellme
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What is polyclonal antiserum? I have checked the net, but could not find any good explanation on it.
Thanks.
Thanks.
What Is Polyclonal Antiserum? Answers Here
- Thread starter sotellme
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the concept of polyclonal antiserum, including its definition, characteristics, and the relationship between polyclonal antiserum and polyclonal antibodies. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks a clear definition of polyclonal antiserum, indicating difficulty finding satisfactory explanations online.
- Another participant explains that polyclonal antibodies recognize multiple epitopes, which may provide robustness against variations in the antigen, contrasting them with monoclonal antibodies that are highly specific but more costly and time-consuming to develop.
- A participant questions whether polyclonal antiserum is synonymous with polyclonal antibodies, suggesting a need for clarification on terminology.
- Another participant describes the process of creating polyclonal antiserum, detailing the immunization of an animal with an antigen and subsequent isolation of serum that contains antibodies, mentioning purification methods involving protein A or protein G.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants have not reached a consensus on the terminology and relationship between polyclonal antiserum and polyclonal antibodies, as some seek clarification while others provide differing perspectives on their definitions and characteristics.
Contextual Notes
The discussion may be limited by varying definitions of terms like "polyclonal antiserum" and "polyclonal antibodies," as well as the assumptions underlying the technical explanations provided.
- #2
Monique
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Science Advisor
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You should be looking for polyclonal antibodies: they recognize multiple epitopes, making them more robust to small changes in the antigen. Monoclonal antibodies react only to one epitope, making them highly specific, but they are more expensive and take longer to develop.
- #3
sotellme
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So polyclonal antiserum is the same as polyclonal antibodies? 
- #4
Monique
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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You immunize an animal with an antigen, after which you isolate blood and get serum from that. That is your antiserum that will contain antibodies to the antigen. You can purify the serum with protein A, or protein G, depending on the chemistry.
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