Topic 2C - Year 1 - Cells and the Immune System - Antibodies in Medicine

Question 1

What is a monoclonal antibody?

Answer 1

A monoclonal antibody is an antibody produced from genetically identical plasma cells (B cells)

Question 2

Why are monoclonal antibodies useful in medicine ?

Answer 2

Monoclonal antibodies are very specific because their antibodies have a unique tertiary structure, that only a complimentary antigen can fit into.

You can make monoclonal antibodies which will bind to a specific molecule of your choosing , it will bind to ONLY the chosen molecule.