Monoclonal Antibodies Flashcards
1
Q
What are monoclonal antibodies?
A
Antibodies produced from a single group of genetically identical/cloned plasma cells
2
Q
How can monoclonal antibodies be used to target cancer cells?
A
- Monoclonal antibodies made to bind to specific tumour markers found on cancer cells
- Can attach anti-cancer drugs to the antibodies
- Antibodies bind to the tumour markers
- Specific so side effects reduced
3
Q
How can monoclonal antibodies be used in pregnancy testing?
A
- Application contains antibodies specific/complementary to the hCG protein, bound to a blue bead
- When urine is applied, hCG binds to the antibody on the beads, forming an antigen-antibody complex
- Urine moves up to the test strip, carrying beads with it
- Test strip contains immobilised antibodies to hCG
- If hCG is present, test strip turns blue because the immobilised antibody binds to the hCG-antibody complex with the blue beads attached
4
Q
What does the ELISA test for?
A
To see if a patient has antibodies/antigens specific to a certain antigen/antibody
5
Q
Direct ELISA test
A
- Immobilised antibodies attached to well
- Complimentary antigen binds to antibody, forming antigen-antibody complex
- Rinse to remove unbound antibodies
- Antibody with enzyme added
- Antibody attaches to antigen
- Substrate added, colour change if positive
6
Q
Indirect ELISA test
A
- Antigen fixed to well
- Complimentary antibody binds to antigen forming antigen-antibody complex
- Rinse to remove unbound antibodies
- Second antibody added with enzyme attached
- Antibody attaches to antigen
- Substrate added, colour change if positive
