Uses of Monoclonal antibodies

Question 1

Monoclonal antibodies

Answer 1

Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single clone of identical hybridoma cells
Monoclonal antibodies are specific to a single binding site on one protein antigen
We can produce monoclonal antibodies against any antigen that we want

Question 2

Monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis

Answer 2

In pregnancy testing, monoclonal antibodies are used to detect a specific hormone
This hormone is produced by the placenta of the developing fetus
Pregnancy test kits based on monoclonal antibodies are cheap and easy to use
The test is highly accurate if used correctly

Question 3

Monoclonal antibodies in lab testing

Answer 3

We can use monoclonal antibodies to measure the levels of hormones in blood
We can also use monoclonal antibodies to detect pathogens in the blood
The advantage of monoclonal antibodies in these cases is that they are completely specific to what we are looking for

Question 4

Monoclonal antibodies for location

Answer 4

Monoclonal antibodies can be used to locate or identify specific molecules in a cell or tissue
In some cells, monoclonal antibodies can be attached to fluorescent dyes, the antibodies then stick to specific molecules within the cell and allow us to see their locations

Question 5

Monoclonal antibodies for treating diseases

Answer 5

Cancer cells undergo mitosis and they spread around the body
Scientists can make antibodies specific to cancer cells
We can then attach a radioactive substance or a toxic drug to the antibody
When the antibody is injected into the blood, it attaches to the cancer cells
The radioactive substance or toxic drug stops the cancer cells from growing and dividing
The antibody delivers the substance specifically to the cancer cells without harming other cells
Although, in certain trials, monoclonal antibodies have been found to produce very harmful side - effects