monoclonal antibodies Flashcards
Q: What are monoclonal antibodies?
A: Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies produced from a single clone of a B-lymphocyte, which is a type of white blood cell.
Q: How are monoclonal antibodies produced?.
A: They are produced by fusing a mouse B-lymphocyte with fast-dividing tumor cells to create a hybridoma, which can be cloned to produce many identical cells
Q: Why are tumor cells used in the production of monoclonal antibodies?
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A: Tumor cells divide rapidly and can be grown easily in the lab, making it possible to produce large quantities of antibodies
Q: What is a hybridoma?
A: A hybridoma is a cell created by fusing a B-lymphocyte with a tumor cell, allowing it to produce monoclonal antibodies.
Q: How can monoclonal antibodies be used in medicine?
A: They can target specific antigens, making them useful for a variety of applications, including pregnancy tests and targeting specific cells or chemicals in the body.
Q: What is the advantage of using monoclonal antibodies?.
A: They bind specifically to a target molecule
Q: What are tumor markers?
A: Tumor markers are antigens found on the surface of cancer cells that are not present on normal body cells.
Q: How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treat cancer?
A: Monoclonal antibodies can be designed to bind to tumor markers on cancer cells, allowing for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs, which can be toxic substances or drugs that inhibit cell division.
Q: How are monoclonal antibodies administered to patients?
A: They are typically given to patients through a drip, allowing for controlled delivery into the bloodstream.
Q: What is a key advantage of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment?
A: They specifically target cancer cells without harming normal body cells, reducing side effects associated with traditional cancer treatments.
Q: How can monoclonal antibodies be used in laboratories and research?
A: They can bind to hormones and chemicals in blood to measure their levels, test blood samples for pathogens, and locate specific molecules in cells or tissues.
Q: What are some potential problems associated with monoclonal antibodies?
A: There can be issues such as immune reactions, high production costs, and the possibility of not targeting all cancer cells effectively.
