Monoclonal antibodies

Question 1

Monoclonal Antibodies:

Answer 1

Identical antibodies produced by cloning a single B-lymphocyte, designed to target one specific antigen.

Question 2

Creation Process

Answer 2

Since lymphocytes don’t divide easily, scientists fuse them with fast-dividing tumour cells (myeloma cells), forming hybridomas that rapidly produce monoclonal antibodies. These antibodies are then collected and purified for use.

Question 3

Targeting Specific Molecules:

Answer 3

Scientists can design monoclonal antibodies to bind to specific cells or chemicals, making them highly useful for diagnosing and treating diseases.

Question 4

Uses in Medicine:

Answer 4

Monoclonal antibodies are applied in cancer treatment (targeting tumour cells), virus detection, and pregnancy tests (binding to specific hormones).