Monoclonal antibodies (cognito) Flashcards
Describe monoclonal antibodies.
Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies produced from a single clone of plasma cells, meaning they are identical and bind to a specific molecule.
Define the terms ‘mono’ and ‘clonal’ in the context of monoclonal antibodies.
‘Mono’ means single, and ‘clonal’ means clone, indicating that monoclonal antibodies originate from a single type of cell.
How are monoclonal antibodies used in disease diagnosis?
Monoclonal antibodies bind to specific cell types to identify infected cells, aiding in the diagnosis of diseases.
Explain the role of monoclonal antibodies in disease treatment.
Monoclonal antibodies bind to specific cells and can carry therapeutic drugs to those cells, providing targeted treatment.
What is the application of monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy testing?
Monoclonal antibodies bind to a pregnancy hormone, allowing for the detection of pregnancy in home testing kits.
How do monoclonal antibodies assist in cancer detection?
Monoclonal antibodies can bind to specific antigens, such as prostate specific antigens (PSA), to identify certain cancers like prostate cancer.
Describe the ELISA test and its relation to monoclonal antibodies.
The Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) test uses monoclonal antibodies to detect both the presence and quantity of protein in a sample.
Describe the purpose of an ELISA test.
An ELISA test is used to determine whether a patient has antigens for a pathogen, indicating the presence of a disease.
Define the two types of ELISA tests.
The two types of ELISA tests are the direct test, which uses only one antibody, and the indirect test, which uses two antibodies.
How is the indirect ELISA test carried out?
The indirect ELISA test involves several steps: adding a sample containing the target protein to a well plate, allowing the target protein to attach, adding a specific antibody that binds to the target protein, and washing out unbound antibodies.
Explain the role of antibodies in the indirect ELISA test.
In the indirect ELISA test, antibodies are used to bind specifically to the target proteins that are attached to the well, allowing for the detection of the presence of those proteins.
What happens to unbound antibodies in the indirect ELISA test?
Unbound antibodies are washed out during the indirect ELISA test to ensure that only the antibodies bound to the target proteins remain.
Illustrate the first step in the indirect ELISA test process.
The first step involves adding the sample containing the target protein to a well plate, where the target protein can attach to the well.
Identify the difference between direct and indirect ELISA tests.
The direct ELISA test uses only one antibody to detect the target protein, while the indirect ELISA test uses two antibodies for detection.
Summarize the significance of the ELISA test in medical diagnostics.
The ELISA test is significant in medical diagnostics as it helps identify the presence of specific antigens related to diseases, aiding in diagnosis and treatment.