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...

human brain structure
The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

New Zealand Fauna
New Zealand’s Unique Fauna

Meet some of New Zealand's unique fauna, including endemic insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and investigate..

Freshwater lake ecosystem
Freshwater Producers and Consumers

Freshwater ecosystem is comprised of four major constituents, namely elements and compounds, plants, consumers, and deco..

"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..

genes controlling growth and development
Control of Growth & Development

Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a da..

Independent Assortment and Crossing Over
Independent Assortment and Crossing Over

This tutorial describes the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over as important events in meiosis. Read..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics