______ ELISA has basically replaced immunoblotting.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: It is asking which type of ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) has largely replaced immunoblotting techniques such as Western blotting in laboratory diagnostics.
2. Recall the main types of ELISA: direct ELISA, indirect ELISA, sandwich ELISA, and competitive ELISA. Each has different applications and sensitivities.
3. Consider the characteristics of immunoblotting: it is used to detect specific proteins and antibodies with high specificity but is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
4. Identify which ELISA type offers high sensitivity and specificity suitable for replacing immunoblotting. Sandwich ELISA is known for its ability to detect antigens with high specificity by using two antibodies.
5. Conclude that sandwich ELISA is the type that has basically replaced immunoblotting due to its efficiency, sensitivity, and ease of use in detecting specific proteins or antibodies.

Key Concepts

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

ELISA is a sensitive immunological assay used to detect and quantify antigens or antibodies in a sample. It uses enzyme-linked antibodies and color change to indicate the presence of the target molecule, making it widely used for diagnostics and research.

Immunoblotting (Western Blot)

Immunoblotting is a technique that separates proteins by gel electrophoresis, transfers them to a membrane, and uses antibodies to detect specific proteins. It is highly specific but more time-consuming and labor-intensive compared to ELISA.

Comparison of ELISA and Immunoblotting

ELISA has largely replaced immunoblotting in many applications due to its higher throughput, ease of use, and quantitative capabilities. While immunoblotting provides detailed protein size information, ELISA is preferred for routine screening and diagnostics.