Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 7, 2026

The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions
08:06

The Use of a β-lactamase-based Conductimetric Biosensor Assay to Detect Biomolecular Interactions

Published on: February 1, 2018

9.7K

The Biochemical Properties of Antibodies and Their Fragments

Robert M Hnasko1

  • 1Produce Safety and Microbiology Unit (PSM), Western Regional Research Center (WRRC), Pacific West Area (PWA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA, 94710, USA, Robert.hnasko@ars.usda.gov.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|July 11, 2015
PubMed

Immunoglobulins (Ig) or antibodies are powerful molecular recognition tools that can be used to identify minute quantities of a given target analyte. Their antigen-binding properties define both the sensitivity and selectivity of an immunoassay. Understanding the biochemical properties of this class of protein will provide users with the knowledge necessary to select the appropriate antibody composition to maximize immunoassay results. Here we define the general biochemical properties of antibodies and their similarities and differences, explain how these properties influence their functional relationship to an antigen target, and describe a method for the enzymatic fragmentation of antibodies into smaller functional parts.

More Related Videos

Bacterial Inner-membrane Display for Screening a Library of Antibody Fragments12:28

Bacterial Inner-membrane Display for Screening a Library of Antibody Fragments

Published on: October 15, 2016

12.2K
Laboratory Scale Production and Purification of a Therapeutic Antibody09:54

Laboratory Scale Production and Purification of a Therapeutic Antibody

Published on: January 24, 2017

18.5K

Related Concept Videos

Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
67.9K
Antibody Structure01:10

Antibody Structure

15.2K
Antibody Structure and Classes01:25

Antibody Structure and Classes

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins, are produced by B cells in response to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. These proteins are critical for recognizing and neutralizing these substances, protecting the body from potential harm.
The basic structure of an antibody consists of four protein chains: two identical heavy chains and two identical light chains. These chains are held together by disulfide bonds and other non-covalent interactions, forming a Y-shaped structure.
10.3K
Antibody Actions01:26

Antibody Actions

Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
3.9K
Affinity and Avidity01:41

Affinity and Avidity

Overview
40.6K
Humoral Immune Responses01:36

Humoral Immune Responses

Overview
86.6K