A polyclonal antibody is a type of antibody that is produced by different B cell lineages in the body. These antibodies recognize and bind to multiple epitopes on a single antigen, which means they can target various parts of the same molecule. This diversity allows polyclonal antibodies to be effective in neutralizing pathogens or marking them for destruction by the immune system. Polyclonal antibodies are commonly used in research, diagnostics, and therapeutic applications. They are typically generated by immunizing an animal, such as a rabbit or goat, with a specific antigen, leading to the production of a mixture of antibodies that can be harvested and purified for use in various assays and treatments.