5.5: Antibodies

Question 1

Monoclonal antibody

Answer 1

Specific antibody

Question 2

Uses of monoclonal antibodies

2

Answer 2

Pregnancy tests

Diagnosis of disease

Question 3

Monoclonal antibodies in Pregnancy tests

3 zones

Answer 3

Antibodies attached to enzyme which HCG binds to in the REACTION ZONE
Immobilised antibodies which will bind to HCG and activate dye in the TEST ZONE
Unbound enzymes active more dye in the CONTROL ZONE

Question 4

Targeting medication to specific cell types by attaching therapeutic drugs to monoclonal antibodies
3 steps for cancer treatment

Answer 4

Monoclonal antibodies produced specific to antigens on cancer cells
Antibodies given to patient and attach to the receptors on cancer cells
Attach to the surface of cancer cells and block the chemical signals that stimulate their uncontrolled growth

Question 5

Advantages of using monoclonal antibodies to treat cancer

Answer 5

Less side effects

Highly specific

Question 6

Ethics of using monoclonal antibodies

3

Answer 6

• production involves mice
• some deaths associated with monoclonal antibodies in treatment
• testing in clinical trials is dangerous