Antibodies in medicine

Question 1

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Answer 1

Antibodies produced from a single group of genetically identical B-cells with identical structures

Question 2

Why are antibodies specific?

Answer 2

Their binding sites have a unique tertiary structure that only one particular antigen will fit into

Question 3

What does ELISA stand for?

Answer 3

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Question 4

What does ELISA test allow you to see?

Answer 4

If a patient has any antibodies to a certain antigen or any antigen to a certain antibody.

Question 5

What is the difference between an indirect and direct ELISA test

Answer 5

Direct - uses a single antibody that is complementary to the antigen you are testing for
Indirect - uses two different antibodies

Question 6

Explain the process of an indirect ELISA test to see if a patient possesses antibodies for HIV

Answer 6

1. HIV antigen bound to bottom of well
2. Blood plasma sample added. HIV specific antibodies will stick to HIV antigens. Wash out the well
3. Secondary antibodies with specific enzyme added. This will bind to any antibodies. Wash out the well
4. Solution added that contains a substrate. This reacts with any enzymes attached to the secondary antibody. If solution changes colour then there are HIV specific antibodies present