Question 1

Counterimmunoelectrophoresis principle: During counterimmunoelectrophoresis in gel, how do antigen and antibody migrate under an applied electric field?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) accelerates antigen–antibody precipitation by applying an electric field across wells cut in an agarose gel. It is useful for rapid detection of certain microbial antigens in clinical samples. Given Data / Assumptions: Separate wells contain antigen and antibody. An electric field is applied so that reagents migrate according to net charge at the running buffer pH. Precipitin lines form where migrating antigen and antibody meet at equivalence. Concept / Approach: The hallmark of CIE is opposing migration—driving antibody and antigen toward each other. This contrasts with passive immunodiffusion where movement relies solely on diffusion and takes longer. Adjusting buffer pH ensures opposite net charges for optimal convergence. Step-by-Step Solution: Load antigen in one well and antibody in the opposite well.Apply voltage so that each component migrates toward the other.Observe a precipitin arc between wells at the zone of equivalence. Verification / Alternative check: Clinical protocols (e.g., for bacterial capsular antigens) specify rapid arc formation within minutes when current is applied, confirming opposing migration. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Parallel or same-direction migration: would decrease encounter rate and is contrary to CIE design. Stationary antigen or random diffusion only: contradicts the use of electrophoresis. Both toward anode: charge-dependent migration is set to oppose, not match. Common Pitfalls: Improper buffer pH can yield weak or absent arcs; verify charge states so antigen and antibody migrate oppositely. Final Answer: They are driven toward each other to hasten precipitin line formation

Question 2

Genomic interaction mapping: DNA footprinting is best suited to identify which specific feature within a DNA fragment?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: DNA footprinting is a classic method to locate where DNA-binding proteins (e.g., transcription factors, repressors) contact DNA. By revealing protected regions against nuclease cleavage, it maps protein–DNA interaction sites at base-pair resolution. Given Data / Assumptions: A labeled DNA fragment is incubated with and without a DNA-binding protein. Partial digestion with DNase I (or hydroxyl radicals) is performed. Fragments are resolved to compare cleavage patterns. Concept / Approach: Where a protein binds, the enzyme cannot cut, creating a “footprint” (a gap) in the ladder of fragments. The location of this gap indicates the protected binding site. This directly answers “where does the protein contact DNA?” rather than measuring RNA species or intron positions. Step-by-Step Solution: Prepare identical labeled DNA samples ± protein.Perform partial nuclease digestion under limiting conditions.Run fragments and compare; absence of bands equals protected region = binding site. Verification / Alternative check: Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) confirm binding, while footprinting pinpoints the exact contact region, providing convergent evidence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: mRNA/tRNA detection: Northern blot or RNA-seq are appropriate, not footprinting. Intron mapping: achieved by cDNA/genomic comparisons or RNA-seq. Methylation profiling: uses bisulfite sequencing or methylation-sensitive assays. Common Pitfalls: Over-digestion obscures footprints; titrate nuclease carefully and include proper controls. Final Answer: A protein binding site protected from nuclease digestion

Question 3

Principle of immunoelectrophoresis: In these assays, electrophoretic separation of mixture components occurs at what stage relative to the antigen–antibody reaction?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Immunoelectrophoresis is a two-stage analytical technique used to resolve antigens by charge/size and then identify them by forming visible precipitin arcs with specific antibodies in gel. Given Data / Assumptions: Mixture of antigens (e.g., serum proteins) is applied to a gel. An electric field first separates components according to electrophoretic mobility. Antiserum is then allowed to diffuse, forming arcs with cognate antigens. Concept / Approach: The defining feature is “separate first, immunoreact second.” This provides spatial resolution so each antigen meets antibody at a distinct location, enabling qualitative pattern recognition and semi-quantitative assessment. Step-by-Step Solution: Run electrophoresis to resolve antigens into discrete bands.Cut a trough and add antiserum to allow diffusion perpendicular to migration.Observe precipitin arcs where antibody meets its antigen band at equivalence. Verification / Alternative check: The classical scheme is documented in clinical immunology atlases: electrophoresis precedes the immunoreaction to create interpretable arc patterns. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Reactions prior to separation or no electrophoresis: those describe immunodiffusion methods, not immunoelectrophoresis. Separating immune complexes after formation yields smeared or altered mobility, defeating the purpose. Common Pitfalls: Poor electrophoretic resolution or incorrect antiserum concentration can blur arcs; optimize voltage, buffer, and antibody dilution. Final Answer: Prior to reaction with antibody (separate first, then allow immunodiffusion)

Immunological Techniques Questions