Question:

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: Polyclonal antibodies bind to the same antigen but recognize different epitopes.
Reason R: Polyclonal antibodies are produced by different B cell clones in the body.

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Polyclonal = Many B-cell clones = Many epitopes.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
  • Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
  • A is correct but R is not correct
  • A is not correct but R is correct
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

When an antigen enters the body, multiple B-cells recognize different parts (epitopes) of that antigen.

Step 2: Meaning

Polyclonal means "from many clones."

Step 3: Analysis

Assertion A is correct: a polyclonal antiserum is a mixture of antibodies that all target the same antigen but at various sites. Reason R is correct: this happens because the serum is derived from many different B-cell clones, each producing its own specific antibody. R explains A because the multiplicity of B-cell origins is exactly what causes the diversity in epitope recognition.

Step 4: Conclusion

Both statements are true, and R provides the logical cause for A. Final Answer: (A)
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