Western Blot, also known as Immunoblotting, is a laboratory technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample of cells or tissues.
The process involves separating proteins by size using electrophoresis, transferring them to a membrane, and then using antibodies to detect the target protein.
The technique is named "Western" to distinguish it from the "Southern" blot, which detects DNA, and the "Northern" blot, which detects RNA.
Western Blot can be used to quantify protein levels by comparing the intensity of the bands on the membrane.
Researchers use positive and negative controls to ensure the accuracy and specificity of the results.
There are several variations of Western Blot, including Strip Blot, Dot Blot, and Far-Western Blot, each with its own specific applications and advantages.