Which of the following describes the role of the conjugate in an ELISA?

In an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), the conjugate, which typically consists of an enzyme linked to an antibody, plays a pivotal role in amplifying the detection signal. After an antigen is captured in the assay wells, the conjugate binds to that antigen. The enzyme linked to the antibody is then introduced, and upon adding a suitable substrate, a detectable signal (often a color change) is produced due to the enzymatic reaction. This amplification is crucial because it allows for enhanced sensitivity and the ability to detect very low levels of antigens, making the assay more effective in identifying and quantifying substances in a sample.

The other options highlight different aspects of the ELISA procedure but do not accurately describe the specific role of the conjugate. While the conjugate does interact with antigens, its primary purpose is not to bind to the antigen directly in a standalone manner. Although blocking agents are used to prevent non-specific binding in the assay, this task is separate from the conjugate's function. Additionally, the stabilization of the antigen is not a direct role of the conjugate itself but may occur through other components of the assay design. Hence, the correct focus on signal amplification underscores the essential function of the conjug