b6.3.9 monoclonal antibodies

Question 1

what are monoclonal antibodies

Answer 1

they are produced by hybridomas. They are a fusion of myelomas (cancer cells) and lymphocytes

Question 2

What do they do

Answer 2

They bind to the surface of the antigen and kill the target cell, or at least stop it from functioning properly.

Question 3

how are monoclonal antibodies produced

Answer 3

Mice have antigens injected in them. Their body produces an immune response, producing antibodies for them. Those lymphocytes are collected and are used with myeloma cells from the bone marrow (to reproduce indefinitely) and now the cell is called a hybridoma. as they reproduce, they form clones.

Question 4

Examples of antibodies

Answer 4

pregnancy testing
detecting disease
treating cancers

Question 5

pregnancy testing

Answer 5

When a woman becomes pregnant, she releases a hormone called hCG in her urine. Monoclonal antibodies are produced that bind to the hormone, triggering a colour change.

Question 6

detecting disease

Answer 6

Some monoclonal antibodies can act as markers. By binding to a specific antigen, it confirms its presence.

Question 7

treating cancers

Answer 7

Monoclonal antibodies target specific cells, killing them or preventing them from operating properly. They can also carry drugs or radioactive substances directly to a cancer cell, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.