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Antiserum (Pl. Antisera)

Definition

Blood serum from an animal (typically a rabbit) that has been immunised against the proteins of another species. It contains antibodies that react specifically with proteins from the immunising species.

Related terms

Double Immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony)
A gel diffusion method in which both antigen and antibody diffuse toward each other from separate wells in agar. Precipitin bands form...
Precipitin Arc / Line
The visible band of precipitate in an Ouchterlony plate where diffusing antigen and diffusing antibody meet. Its shape and relationship to adjacent...
Precipitin Test
A serological method in which an antiserum specific to one species' proteins is mixed with an extract of an unknown specimen. Formation...
Ring Precipitin Test
A tube-based precipitin assay in which the antiserum is carefully underloaded beneath the sample; a ring of precipitate at the interface indicates...
Spur Formation
In Ouchterlony, a spur is formed when one arc curves beyond another due to an excess of a cross-reacting but non-identical antigen....

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