Question

How are polyclonal antibodies derived?

Answer 1

Polyclonal antibodies:

1. It is a mixture of antibodies secreted by different B cell clones.
2. It is used as a secondary antibody in immunoassays.
3. Polyclonal antibodies are less expensive with quick production.

Derivation of polyclonal antibodies:

1. They are produced by immunizing animals with antigens, typically with adjuvant.
2. Antibodies with existing antigen or epitope are activated.
3. These antibodies have different binding strength.
4. These result in immune response with many different antibodies for an antigen.
5. These are derived from different clones of B cells.
6. Hence, serum having them is called polyclonal serum.