5.5 antibodies

Question 1

• how are monoclonal antibodies made?

Answer 1

1) mouse exposed to antigen
2) B cells produce a mixture of antibodies & extracted from spleen
3) antibodies mixed with cancer cells
4) both cells are fused to form a hybridoma
5) hybridoma clone themselves & are tested
6) clone is selected & mass produced
7) antibody extracted from growth medium

Question 2

what is the definition of antibodies?

Answer 2

protein found in blood which binds to antigen

Question 3

by which cells are antibodies produced?

Answer 3

plasma cells

Question 4

describe the structure of an antibody.

Answer 4

• 4 polypeptide chains
• 2 heavy chains & 2 light chains

Question 5

what is an antibody-antigen complex?

Answer 5

binding of specific antibody & antigen

Question 6

what is the name of the specific binding site for every antibody?

Answer 6

variable region

Question 7

what is the name of the other region of an antibody?

Answer 7

constant region

Question 8

how does an antibody assist in destroying pathogens? (2)

Answer 8

1) forming an antigen-antibody complex causes agglutination of bacterial cells
2) antibodies serve as markers for phagocytes to engulf the attached bacteria

Question 9

what are monoclonal antibodies used for?

Answer 9

target specific cells & substances (eg. cancer cells)

Question 10

what is direct monoclonal antibody therapy used for? how does it work?

Answer 10

produced antibodies are specific to antigens on cancer cells -> attaches to receptors & blocks chemical signals that stimulate uncontrollable growth

Question 11

what are some ethical issues in using antibodies?

Answer 11

• using mice - can’t give consent
• testing new drugs contains danger
• patients might not have informed consent