antibodies

• What do B cells produce in response to antigens?

  Antibodies
• What are antibodies?

  Proteins with specific binding sites
• What do antibodies react with?

  Specific antigens on non-self material
• How many identical binding sites does each antibody have?

  Two identical binding sites
• What forms when an antibody binds to an antigen?

  An antibody-antigen complex
• What are the two types of chains in antibodies?

  Heavy chains and light chains
• What is the variable region of an antibody?

  The binding site that fits specific antigens
• What is the constant region of an antibody?

  The part that binds to cell receptors
• How do antibodies assist in the destruction of bacterial cells?

  By causing agglutination and marking for phagocytes
• What are the two ways antibodies assist in bacterial destruction?

  • Cause agglutination of bacterial cells
  • Serve as markers for phagocyte engulfment
• What are monoclonal antibodies?

  Antibodies produced from a single type of B cell
• Why are monoclonal antibodies valuable in medicine?

  They can target specific substances and cells
• How do monoclonal antibodies treat cancer?

  By blocking signals that stimulate growth
• What is an example of a monoclonal antibody used in cancer treatment?

  Herceptin
• What is indirect monoclonal antibody therapy?

  Attaching drugs to monoclonal antibodies
• Why are monoclonal antibodies referred to as 'magic bullets'?

  They target specific sites with fewer side effects
• How are monoclonal antibodies used in medical diagnosis?

  To diagnose diseases rapidly and accurately
• What is PSA in relation to monoclonal antibodies?

  A protein linked to prostate cancer diagnosis
• How do pregnancy testing kits work?

  They detect hCG in urine using antibodies
• What ethical issues are associated with monoclonal antibodies?

  Use of animals in their production
• What happened during the TGN1412 trial in 2006?

  Volunteers suffered multiple organ failure
• Why is informed consent important in monoclonal antibody treatment?

  Patients must understand risks and benefits
• What are the ethical considerations in the use of monoclonal antibodies?

  • Use of animals for production
  • Risks and side effects of treatments
  • Informed consent from patients
• What is the role of society in the use of monoclonal antibodies?

  To balance benefits and risks of treatments