Antibody help please - (Mar/27/2008 )

Can someone please help explain antibodies?

I am using a primary antibody called anti-IGF-1R which is a goat polyclonal antibody. I was told to use goat anti-rabbit as my secondary antibody. Is this right? Don't I need an anti-goat antibody for use as a secondary.

A goat polyclonal is made in a goat right? So wouldn't I need something made in a different species so it would be anti-goat or does this not matter if it is polyclonal?

Thanks in advance as I can't find any info on the internet.

Hi calla, you are right, if your primary antibody si a goat (whether polyclonal or monoclonal doesn't matter) you'll need an anti-goat for your seconday, as what you're detecting there is goat IgG . Your secondary antibody should always be against the species your primary was made in.

Hi calla, you are right, if your primary antibody is a goat ,your seconday antibody should be anti-goat , as what you're detecting there is goat IgG . Your secondary antibody should always be against the species your primary was made in.