Uses of monoclonal antibodies

• What are monoclonal antibodies produced from?

  A single clone of identical hybridoma cells
• Why are monoclonal antibodies specific?

  They bind to a single site on one antigen
• How can we produce monoclonal antibodies?

  Against any antigen we want
• What are some uses of monoclonal antibodies in medicine?

  • Diagnosis (e.g., pregnancy testing)
  • Measuring hormone levels in blood
  • Detecting pathogens in blood
  • Locating specific molecules in cells or tissues
  • Treating diseases (e.g., cancer)
• What hormone do pregnancy tests detect?

  A hormone produced by the placenta
• How do pregnancy test kits work?

  Women urinate on a test strip to check for reaction
• What is an advantage of pregnancy tests using monoclonal antibodies?

  They are cheap and easy to use
• What can low energy levels indicate?

  Low levels of certain hormones
• How are monoclonal antibodies used in hormone testing?

  To measure hormone levels in blood samples
• What is a benefit of using monoclonal antibodies to detect pathogens?

  They are completely specific to the target
• How can monoclonal antibodies help in locating molecules in cells?

  They can be attached to fluorescent dyes
• What happens when monoclonal antibodies are used to treat cancer?

  They deliver substances specifically to cancer cells
• What is the advantage of attaching a radioactive substance to monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment?

  It targets cancer cells without harming others
• What is a problem associated with monoclonal antibody drug trials?

  They can produce harmful side effects
• Are there many drugs currently in use based on monoclonal antibodies?

  Only a few are currently in use
• What is likely to happen with monoclonal antibody drugs in the future?

  They are likely to increase in use
• Where can students find more questions on monoclonal antibodies?

  • In the vision workbook
  • By clicking on the provided link