serotaxonomy

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serotaxonomy The classification of very similar plants by means of differences in the proteins they contain. The technique is based on the highly specific relationship between antigens and the antibodies produced in response to them. Protein extracted from a plant is injected into the blood of an animal, where it behaves as an antigen. After an interval for the production of antibodies, a blood sample is taken. This can be used to compare the first plant protein (antigen) with extracts taken from other plants.