ELISA technique is based on the principl | Class 12 Biology Chapter Biotechnology and its Application, Biotechnology and its Application NCERT Solutions

Yes, ELISA technique can be used in the molecular diagnosis of genetic disorder, phenylketonuria. ELISA stands for Enzyme- linked Immuno sorbent Assay. Enzyme immunoassay exploits an enzymatic (enzymes are used for ELISA like alkaline phosphatase, urease, beta galactosidase and horseradish peroxidase) reaction for detecting the immune reaction. ELISA can be used qualitatively to detect the presence of antigens (detect infection by pathogen) and antibodies (are synthesized against the pathogen or bacteria for the defense). This test involves the linkage of label enzymes to either antigens or antibody and their reaction is measured using colorimetric signals. There are two techniques involved: Indirect ELISA (antibodies can be detected or determined) and Sandwich ELISA (antigens can be detected or measured). The patient in which antigen- antibody complex is absent, will show negative test or there will be no coloured reactions and this proves the absence of enzymes like indirect ELISA is used to detect the presence of antibody against HIV.