Biology Paper 1 - Monoclonal Antibodies

Question 1

What Are Monoclonal Antibodies?

Answer 1

Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single clone of cells. The
antibodies are specific to one binding site on one protein antigen and so
are able to target a specific chemical or specific cells in the body.

Question 2

Antibodies And Division

Answer 2

• Lymphocytes (WBC’s) make antibodies but can not divide

- Whereas, tumour cells do not usually produce antibodies but can divide very rapidly to make clone of cells.

Question 3

How To Produce Monoclonal Antibodies

Answer 3

Combine mice lymphocytes (that have been stimulated to make a particular antibody) with a type of tumour cell - producing a hybridoma cell.
Hybridoma cells divide and make large numbers of identical cells that produce identical antibodies.
These antibodies are collected and purified : monoclonal antibodies.

Question 4

Uses For Monoclonal Antibodies

Answer 4

• Bind to 1 specific antigen.
• Pregnancy test : Binds on to HCG that is made in early stages of pregnancy. Tiny amounts of hormone passed out of the body during urination, monoclonal antibodies bind onto this hormone and produces a colour change to signify a positive result.
• Diagnosis of disease : Bind to specific antigens (i.e on pathogens) carrying markers to see where they are conjugated. This is used for the detection of Prostate Cancer, Monoclonal antibodies are becoming increasingly important.
• Research : Used to locate specific molecules in a tissue. Produce monoclonal antibodies linked to a fluorescent dye. When it binds on to the desired molecule, scientists can notice the build-up of fluorescence.

Question 5

3 Ways Of Using Monoclonal Antibodies To Treat Cancer

Answer 5

(1) Trigger immune system to recognise, attack and destroy cancer cells.
(2) Block receptors on surface of cancer cells to stop the cells growing and dividing.
(3) Carry toxic substances and radioactive substances for radiation therapy, targeting the cancer cell specifically and not harming any other normal cells.

Question 6

Advantages Of Monoclonal Antibodies

Answer 6

• They only bind on to specific diseased/damaged cells so the rest of the body can remain healthy.
• The specificity of monoclonal antibodies means that they can treat a wider range of conditions.
• Now (due to them being discovered over 40 yrs ago), scientists are able to reduce the side effects experienced when undergoing procedures involving monoclonal antibodies.
• Development of technology have advanced the research of monoclonal antibodies.

Question 7

Disadvantages Of Monoclonal Antibodies

Answer 7

• Very expensive to develop
• In early development, the research associated with monoclonal antibodies were limited because the human immune system would detect the antibody as foreign.
• Producing the right amount of monoclonal antibodies and attaching them to other drugs can be difficult.