The main difference between serum and antiserum is that serum is an amber-colored, protein-rich liquid that separates when blood coagulates, whereas antiserum is a blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens and is injected to treat or protect against specific diseases.
Serum and antiserum are two liquid portions of blood. Both contain antibodies.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Serum
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Antiserum
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Serum and Antiserum
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Serum and Antiserum
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Serum and Antiserum
– Answers to frequently asked questions
Key Terms
Antiserum, Serum
What is Serum
The serum is an amber-colored, watery portion of animal blood that remains after coagulation. Hence, serum lacks blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also lacks clotting factors like fibrinogen. But, the serum contains all the proteins like albumin and globulin that are not involved in the blood coagulation process. It also contains antibodies, antigens, electrolytes, hormones, drugs, and microorganisms. Serology is the study of serum.
Figure 1: Serum
Furthermore, the serum is separated from blood by centrifugation, which removes the cellular component of blood, which is followed by coagulation. Coagulation removes clotting factors like fibrinogen, prothrombin, and tissue thromboplastin from the blood. The serum is a good source of electrolytes. It is used for various diagnostic tests for hormones and enzymes. It is used for the determination of blood groups as well. Animal sera are used as anti-venom, anti-toxins, and vaccinations. The serum can be stored at 2-6 ºC for several days.
What is Antiserum
Antiserum is the blood serum that contains antibodies that can be either polyclonal or monoclonal. It is important in generating passive immunity. Therefore, it is important to treat many diseases. It is also important in the blood donation process called plasmapheresis.
Figure 2: Antiserum
Furthermore, animals can be immunized against specific pathogens to produce antibodies. Then, antiserum can be produced from the animal to treat infectious diseases. This therapy is known as serum therapy.
Similarities Between Serum and Antiserum
- Serum and antiserum are two liquid portions of blood that contain antibodies.
- They form when the blood cells are removed.
Difference Between Serum and Antiserum
Definition
Serum refers to an amber-colored, protein-rich liquid that separates out when blood coagulates. Meanwhile, antiserum refers to a blood serum containing antibodies against specific antigens injected to treat or protect against specific diseases.
Importance
Serum is a component of blood, while antiserum contains specific antibodies.
Function
Serum contains proteins, drugs, and microorganisms, while antiserum generates passive immunity.
FAQ: Serum and Antiserum
What is the difference between plasma and antiserum?
The main difference between plasma and antiserum is their composition. However, antibodies, hormones, and electrolytes are the components that occur in both plasma and antiserum. Additionally, plasma contains blood cells and clotting factors.
How many types of antiserum are there?
The two basic types of antisera are there. They are polyclonal and monoclonal antisera. Significantly, polyclonal antisera contain antibodies for several epitopes. In contrast, monoclonal antisera contain antibodies only for a particular epitope.
What is an example of an antisera?
Antisera is important to combat certain diseases. It is particularly important to provide passive immunity against diseases. Passive antibody transfusion is used to combat Ebola.
Conclusion
In brief, serum and antiserum are two liquids that originate from the blood. The serum is an amber-colored liquid that is rich in proteins. It is a component of blood. It contains proteins, drugs, and microorganisms. In comparison, antiserum is the blood serum that contains antibodies to generate passive immunity. Therefore, the main difference between serum and antiserum is their function.
References:
- Serum (blood). Serum (Blood) – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.).
- Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.-b). Antiserum. Encyclopædia Britannica.
Image Courtesy:
- “Convalescent plasma collected during COVID-19 pandemic” By Whoisjohngalt – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Serum-separation tube” By Spiritia – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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