Antibodies in Medicine

• What can scientists make in the lab for medical use?

  Antibodies
• What are monoclonal antibodies produced from?

  A single group of genetically identical B-cells
• Why are antibodies considered very specific?

  They have unique binding sites for antigens
• How can monoclonal antibodies be used in medical diagnosis?

  They can bind to specific antigens
• What are tumor markers?

  Antigens found on cancer cells
• How do monoclonal antibodies target cancer cells?

  They bind to tumor markers on cancer cells
• What is the benefit of using antibody-based drugs?

  Lower side effects due to targeted action
• What hormone do pregnancy tests detect?

  Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• How do pregnancy tests work?

  They detect hCG in urine using antibodies
• What happens when hCG binds to the antibody in a pregnancy test?

  A color change occurs on the test strip
• What does a color change in an ELISA test indicate?

  The presence of the antigen or antibody
• What is the simplest type of ELISA?

  Direct ELISA
• What does a direct ELISA test for?

  A single antibody complementary to the antigen
• What is the first step in a direct ELISA?

  Binding antigens from a patient sample
• What is the purpose of the secondary antibody in an indirect ELISA?

  To bind to the primary antibody
• What indicates a positive result in an indirect ELISA for HIV?

  A color change occurs in the solution
• What ethical issues are associated with monoclonal antibody therapy?

  Animal rights concerns in production
• What is the role of the enzyme in an ELISA test?

  To produce a colored product
• How does the direct ELISA differ from the indirect ELISA?

  Direct uses one antibody; indirect uses two