3.2

• What is done to the antibodies after they are produced?

  Antibodies are purified
• What is a key characteristic of the antibodies produced through this process?

  Antibodies are highly specific to one antigen
• What are some applications of monoclonal antibodies?

  • Pregnancy tests
  • Measure concentration of chemicals in blood
  • Locate substances in cells or tissues using fluorescent dye
  • Cancer treatment targeting cancer cells
• What is a specific use of monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy tests?

  They target the HCG hormone
• How can monoclonal antibodies be used in cancer treatment?

  They target cancer cells only
• What can monoclonal antibodies be bound to for therapeutic purposes?

  Radioactive substances, toxins, or drugs
• What is one limitation of monoclonal antibodies?

  They are expensive to produce
• What is another limitation associated with monoclonal antibodies?

  They can have unwanted side effects
• What are some diseases that monoclonal antibodies can help detect?

  • HIV
  • AIDS