Monoclonal antibodies

• What are monoclonal antibodies used for in research?


  They are used for locating and identifying specific molecules in cells and tissues.
• How are monoclonal antibodies used in diagnostics?


  They are used for measuring levels of specific hormones or chemicals in blood or urine.
• What is an example of a diagnostic use of monoclonal antibodies?


  Pregnancy tests detect HCG hormone in the urine.
• Why are monoclonal antibodies not as widely used as hoped?


  They have more side effects than were initially expected.
• What is the process by which bacteria divide?


  Binary fission.
• Why should an inoculating loop be passed through a blue Bunsen flame before and after use?


  To sterilize it and kill any bacteria.
• Name two culture media that microorganisms can be grown in.

  Nutrient broth solution and agar gel plates.
• Why should the lids of agar gel plates and culture bottles be opened as little as possible?


  To prevent contamination with microorganisms from the air.
• Why should you not incubate at temperatures higher than 25°C?

  To reduce the chance of human pathogens growing.
• Why should agar gel plates be incubated upside down?


  To prevent contamination from condensation collecting on the surface of the agar.
• How quickly can bacteria multiply under optimum conditions?


  The number of bacteria can double every 20 minutes.
• Why is good aseptic technique important?


  To grow bacterial cultures without contamination.
• What are monoclonal antibodies a hybrid of?


  A lymphocyte and a tumor cell.
• How do monoclonal antibodies help in cancer treatment?


  They can deliver toxic chemicals and drugs directly to cancer cells.
• What is a clone of cells? 


  Group of identical cells that have formed from a single cell dividing over and over again