Monoclonal antibodies:

Question 1

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 1

= antibodies produced from a SINGLE CLONE of B-cells
= can be made by cloning one specific plasma cell so that loads of only one antibody is produced

Question 2

Can antibodies be cloned themselves?

Answer 2

= no
= they are not cells

Question 3

Why are monoclonal antibodies useful?

Answer 3

= only bind specifically
= certain antigens
= complementary

Question 4

What is the first feature of monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 4

= target any molecule
either:
= attached to a cell
= on its own

Question 5

What happens if the antigens are attached to the cell?

Answer 5

= e.g: cancer cells
= have different cell markers- different shaped proteins that are specific to them
monoclonal antibodies are used to:
identify location of cancer cells: attaches a radioactive/flourscent label that can be detached
attaching anti-cancer drug: deliver drug specifically to cancer cells, side affects are reduced as it does not affect other body cells

Question 6

What happens if molecules are free and are on their own?

Answer 6

e.g: pregnancy tests
= monoclonal antibodies can be used to detect the hormones in urine
principles:
pregnant:
= monoclonal antibodies can bind to the hormone with blue beads move with the urine up the pregnancy test
= meets imobilised monoclonal antibodies complementary to another part of the hormone- 2 antibodies
= unbound monoclonal antibodies with blue beads