B6.3.9 Flashcards
What are monoclonal antibodies made up of
They are a fusion of tumour cells and lymphocytes
What is each monoclonal antibody designed to target
It is designed to target a specific type of cell. They bind to the antigen of the target cell. This kills the target cell or prevents it from operating effectively.
How are monoclonal antibodies produced
They are injected with the require antigen. The body then produces an immune response producing antibodies to the specific antigen. The lymphocyte cells are collected. These are then fused with tumour cells from the bone marrow which reproduce indefinitely. This is called a hybridoma.
What do monoclonal antibodies look for
They search for the cell you wish to neutralise
When the hybridoma cells reproduce what happens
they form clones, each clone produces the required antibody, which is harvested. These proteins are monoclonal antibodies.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used in pregnancy testing
When a woman becomes pregnant she produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotrophin. The monoclonal antibodies have been produced that bind the hCG protein, causing a colour change reaction.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used in detecting
They act as markers. By binding to a specific antigen, they confirm confirming its present.
How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treating cancers
They can also carry drugs or radioactive materials to directly to cancer ells increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.
