Monoclonal Antibodies

Question 1

monoclonal antibodies are

Answer 1

proteins that attach to a single antigen

Question 2

Step 1 of how they are produced

Answer 2

Scientists inject a mouse with an antigen then obtain mice lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that makes antibodies but cannot divide), which have been stimulated to produce a specific antibody to the injected antigen.

Question 3

Step 2 of how they are produced

Answer 3

They are combined with tumour cells (do not make antibodies but divide rapidly), to form a cell called a hybridoma

Question 4

Step 3 of how they are produced

Answer 4

The hybridoma can divide to produce clones of itself, which all produce the same antibody.

Question 5

Step 4 of how they are produced

Answer 5

The antibodies are collected and purified

Question 6

Uses of monoclonal antibodies

Answer 6

pregnancy tests
in laboratories to measure the levels of hormones or chemicals in research
in the treatment of some diseases.