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Question #45243
The Question
During an ELISA test to detect a viral infection, the microtiter plate is accidentally washed with a buffer of pH 2.0 and incubated at 70°C. For a patient who is genuinely infected with the virus, what will be the diagnostic result and its primary molecular cause?
Options
- A.
False positive; the extreme conditions cause non-specific binding of the enzyme-linked antibody to the well surface.
- B.
False negative; disruption of non-covalent interactions alters the tertiary structure of the paratope, preventing antigen-antibody binding.
- C.
True positive; the primary structure of the antibody remains intact, allowing specific epitope recognition.
- D.
False negative; the peptide bonds of the viral antigens are cleaved, preventing recognition by the secondary antibody.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
ELISA_Logic|Protein_Denaturation_Specificity|Immunological_Assay
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Class 12 Biotechnology/Human Health (ELISA principle) with Class 11 Biomolecules (Protein Denaturation).
Students often memorize that ELISA detects antigens/antibodies but fail to apply the structural prerequisite: that diagnostic sensitivity relies entirely on the non-covalent maintenance of the antibody's tertiary structure.
The trap in Option D tests the common misconception that denaturation involves the cleavage of peptide bonds.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biomolecules - Class 11 |
| Concept | Protein Denaturation Specificity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |