Introduction: In our classroom we will simulate the spread of a "disease" by transfering "bodily fluids". After we have spread the "disease" we will then test to see who has it using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA. ELISA is used to test people for diseases such as HIV and to determine whether or not someone is pregnant. When someone has a disease their body has an immune response sending millions of antibodies. These antibodies locate and attach to their target antigens. Once the antibodies are attached other cells know to kill the harmful antigens. Antibodies are very specific and each one only recognizes one antigen. In the ELISA test secondary antibodies are linked to enzymes. The secondary antibodies attach to the primary antibodies that have already located the harmful antigens. In our kit the secondary antibodies are linked to horseradish peroxidase or HRP. When HRP comes in contact with hydrogen peroxide (the chemical added to the sample), HRP catalyzes the oxidation of TMB. The oxidation creates a blue product that turns the sample blue. If our sample turns blue then it means the "disease" is present. If it's clear then the "disease" is not present. After we find who is "diseased" we will attempt to trace it back to the original culprits.
