Antibodies in Medicine 2C

Question 1

What is a monoclonal antibody

Answer 1

An antibody produced from 2 genetically identical b cells

Question 2

What is the ELIZA test used for

Answer 2

Medical treatment and diagnostics

Question 3

What are monoclonal antibodies used for in medicine

Answer 3

Diagnostic tests and treatment

Question 4

Types of ELISA test

Answer 4

Indirect and direct

Question 5

Describe the direct ELISA test

Answer 5

Uses a single antibody complementary to an antigen
Antigens from a patients sample are attached to the inside of a well on a well plate
A detection antibody complementary to the antigen is added
If the antigen is present then it will be immobilised
Sample is then washed out to remove any unbound antigens
A substrate is added which reacts with the enzyme to produce a colour change

Question 6

Describe the indirect ELISA test

Answer 6

HIV antigen is bound to the bottom of the well in a well plate
A sample of the patients blood plasma is added to the well
If the HIV antibodies are present these will bind to the antigen and then the well is washed out
A secondary antibody is then added with a specific antibody attached the secondary antibody can bind to the hiv specific antibody if no secondary antigen is present these will get washed away and then a substrate solution is added

Question 7

Ethical issues with monoclonal antibodies

Answer 7

B cells from animals are used animal testing issues