IMMUNOBLOTTINGS Meaning and
Definition
-
Immunoblottings, also referred to as Western blotting, is a laboratory technique used to detect and identify specific proteins in a given sample. It is a versatile and widely employed method in molecular biology and biochemistry research.
The process of immunoblotting involves several steps. First, a sample containing the proteins of interest is separated by size through gel electrophoresis. This separates the proteins based on their molecular weight. The separated proteins are then transferred from the gel onto a nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane through a process called blotting. This transfer allows for the immobilization of proteins on the blotting membrane.
Following the transfer, the membrane is then blocked using a protein-blocking agent to prevent nonspecific binding of antibodies. The blocked membrane is then incubated with specific primary antibodies that recognize and bind to the target protein(s) of interest. After incubation and washing to remove any unbound primary antibodies, secondary antibodies labeled with enzymes or fluorophores are added. These secondary antibodies recognize and bind to the primary antibodies, allowing for the visualization or detection of the target proteins.
The final step in immunoblotting involves the detection of the proteins of interest through visualization methods like chemiluminescence, fluorescence, or colorimetric reactions. By measuring the intensity of the protein bands, researchers can quantify the amount of the specific protein present in the original sample.
Immunoblottings are valuable tools in various research fields, including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology. They allow scientists to study and understand protein expression, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and can provide insights into various diseases and their mechanisms.
Common Misspellings for IMMUNOBLOTTINGS
- ummunoblottings
- jmmunoblottings
- kmmunoblottings
- ommunoblottings
- 9mmunoblottings
- 8mmunoblottings
- inmunoblottings
- ikmunoblottings
- ijmunoblottings
- imnunoblottings
- imkunoblottings
- imjunoblottings
- immynoblottings
- immhnoblottings
- immjnoblottings
- imminoblottings
- imm8noblottings
- imm7noblottings
- immuboblottings
- immumoblottings
Etymology of IMMUNOBLOTTINGS
The word "immunoblottings" is derived from two main components:
1. "Immuno-": This prefix is derived from the Latin word "immunis", meaning exempt or protected. In the context of "immunoblottings", this prefix refers to the use of antibodies for detection.
2. "Blotting": This term is derived from the act of blotting, which originally referred to the process of absorbing liquid or ink by pressing or rubbing with a blotting paper. However, in the context of "immunoblottings", the term refers to a technique used in molecular biology to detect specific proteins in a sample.
Combined, "immunoblottings" refers to the technique of using antibodies to detect specific proteins in a sample through the process of blotting.
