Question

4. Affinity chromatography can often be used to purify one specific antibody from animal blood serum in a single step, even though serum typically contains around 10 billion different antibodies and also includes many other types of proteins. Explain why this is true. If necessary, do some online research about antibodies first. g

Answer 1

Affinity chromatography is a technique based on specific binding interactions

Step-by-step explanation:

Affinity chromatography is a technique used to separate and identify macromolecules by their specific binding biological interactions. This technique enables the identification of macromolecules that establish specific types of binding interactions including, among others, antigens and antibodies, receptors and ligands, etc. Affinity chromatography is the most widely used technique for antibody purification because this method has high selectivity and enables to concentrate the target molecule in a single step. Antibody fragments such as single-chain variable fragments (scFV) can be purified by affinity chromatography when they are covalently immobilized to a solid support (for example, agarose beads).