COUNTERCURRENT IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS Meaning and
Definition
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Countercurrent Immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) is a laboratory technique used to identify and quantify specific proteins in a sample based on their immunological properties. It is a modified form of electrophoresis combined with immunodiffusion.
In CIE, a sample containing proteins is first mixed with a specific antibody that recognizes the target protein. The mixture is then applied to a gel matrix, usually made of agarose, and a direct electric current is applied across the gel. As the current flows, the proteins move in the opposite direction of the electric field, thus creating a "counter" or opposite current to the one applied.
As the proteins migrate through the gel, they encounter the antibody molecules. If the target protein is present in the sample, it will form immune complexes with the antibody and continue migrating towards the cathode. However, if the target protein is not present or present in low levels, it will not form immune complexes and will not migrate far.
After the migration process is complete, the gel is stained to visualize the protein bands. The position and intensity of the protein bands can be used to identify and quantify the target protein in the original sample. CIE is particularly useful for detecting and measuring antigen-antibody interactions, thus finding applications in clinical diagnostics, immunology research, and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry.
Overall, Countercurrent Immunoelectrophoresis is a laboratory technique that combines electrophoresis and immunodiffusion to identify and quantify specific proteins in a sample based on their immunological properties.
Common Misspellings for COUNTERCURRENT IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS
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Etymology of COUNTERCURRENT IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS
The word "Countercurrent Immunoelectrophoresis" can be broken down into the following components:
1. Countercurrent: This term comes from the combination of "counter" meaning against or opposite, and "current" referring to the flow of something. In this context, countercurrent implies the flow of substances in opposite directions.
2. Immunoelectrophoresis: This term combines two key components:
- Immuno-: Comes from the word "immune", referring to the immune system or the body's defense against diseases. It originates from the Latin word "immunis", meaning exempt or free.
- Electrophoresis: This word is a combination of "electro-" meaning electricity and "phoresis" meaning movement or migration. Electrophoresis is a technique that utilizes an electric field to separate and analyze molecules according to their charge and size.
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