PLANTIBODY Meaning and
Definition
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A plantibody, also referred to as a plant-derived antibody, is a genetically modified antibody that is produced within plants. It involves the utilization of plants, typically genetically modified ones, to serve as bioreactors for the large-scale production of specific human or animal antibodies.
These antibodies are generated by introducing the required genes into the plant's genome, which enables them to produce and replicate the precise antibody molecule. The plants, acting as the host system, are then grown under controlled conditions to support the production of the desired antibody. Once the desired level of production is achieved, the plants are harvested, and the antibodies are extracted and purified.
Plantibodies have gained significant attention and research interest due to the numerous advantages they offer over conventional antibody production methods. They provide a cost-effective and scalable alternative as plants can be grown and processed in large quantities. Additionally, the use of plants eliminates the need for animal-based antibody production, which is often costly and ethically controversial.
These plant-derived antibodies have shown promising potential in various applications, such as therapeutic treatments of diseases, diagnostics, and research tools. They can be engineered to have enhanced stability, improved yields, and reduced immunogenicity, making them more suitable for clinical use.
Overall, plantibodies represent an innovative approach in biotechnology, leveraging the unique capabilities of plants as biochemical factories for the large-scale production of specific antibodies, contributing to the advancement of healthcare and bioengineering fields.
Etymology of PLANTIBODY
The word "plantibody" is a blend of two words: "plant" and "antibody".
- "Plant" originates from the Latin word "planta", which simply means "sprout" or "young shoot". It was initially used in English to refer to the vegetation that grows from the ground.
- "Antibody" is a combination of "anti-" (meaning "against" or "opposite") and "body". It was coined in the early 20th century to describe a specialized protein produced by the immune system to neutralize harmful substances called antigens.
The term "plantibody" specifically refers to an antibody produced in plants, which are typically modified to produce specific antibodies instead of their normal proteins. Thus, by combining "plant" and "antibody", the word represents the unique concept of antibodies being generated in plants.
