Antibodies

• What do proteins with specific binding sites consist of?

  Four polypeptide chains
• What is the role of the variable region in antibodies?

  It binds to the antigen on the pathogen
• How do antibodies prepare antigens for destruction?

  By forming an antibody-antigen complex
• What is the significance of having two variable regions per antibody?

  It allows binding to two antigens simultaneously
• What process is facilitated by agglutination of antigens?

  It helps phagocytes locate antigens
• What do monoclonal antibodies target?

  Specific antigens on pathogens
• Why is it valuable to produce antibodies outside the body?

  To isolate and clone a single type of antibody
• What are the steps in direct monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer?

  • Produce monoclonal antibodies specific to cancer antigens
  • Administer to patients
  • Antibodies attach to cancer cells
  • Block signals for uncontrolled growth
• What is a key advantage of direct monoclonal antibody therapy?

  It has fewer side effects
• How does indirect monoclonal antibody therapy work?

  • Attach radioactive/cytotoxic drug to monoclonal antibody
  • Antibody binds to cancer cell
  • Drug kills the cancer cell
• What is a disadvantage of indirect monoclonal antibody therapy?

  It has side effects
• How are monoclonal antibodies useful in medical diagnosis?

  They bind to antigens indicating further tests
• What are the ethical concerns regarding monoclonal antibodies?

  • Animal suffering in production
  • Risks of death vs. life-saving potential
  • Need for informed consent from patients
  • Safety dangers in testing new drugs
• What is a potential risk associated with monoclonal antibodies?

  Unknown side effects during drug testing