B6

Question 1

Monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 1

Produced from a single clone of cells.

Question 2

How are monoclonal antibodies formed?

Answer 2

• B lymphocytes are taken from a mouse (make specific antibodies but do not divide)
• They are combined with tumour cells (divide but no antibodies) to form a HYBRIDOMA cell.
• The cell clones itself

Question 3

Uses of monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 3

• Pregnancy tests
• Diagnosis of disease
• Treating disease
• Research
• Identify certain molecules in Cells or tissue
• Treatment of cancer

Question 4

How do monoclonal antibodies work?

Answer 4

They bind to a cell, by recognition of antigens on the surface of the cell. Signals are sent to the immune system to destroy the cell - white blood cells. Also causes clumping so can be destroyed.

Question 5

How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treat cancer?

Answer 5

Either:
• The direct use - the antibodies bind to the antigens on the cell and stop them dividing and growing
• They bind to the cell and carry drugs or radioactive therapies.

Question 6

Advantages? (Of mono. C antibodies)

Answer 6

• Bind to only one type of cell which prevents damage to others
• Treat a wide range of conditions

Question 7

Disadvantages? (Of mono. C antibodies)

Answer 7

• Expensive to develop
• Unknown side effects
• Nouse lymphocytes triggered an immune response in humans that held up research