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FreeScienceLessons · AQA BiologyMonoclonal Antibodies
Key facts
Production of monoclonal antibodies
- 1. Inject mouse with antigen → mouse produces lymphocytes specific to that antigen.
- 2. Fuse lymphocyte with a tumour/myeloma cell → produces hybridoma cell.
- 3. Hybridoma divides rapidly (from tumour cell) and produces antibodies (from lymphocyte).
- 4. Grow hybridoma cells in culture → harvest and purify the monoclonal antibodies.
- All antibodies produced are identical and specific to the same antigen.
Uses of monoclonal antibodies — fill in the table
| Use | How it works |
|---|
| Pregnancy tests | |
| Cancer diagnosis | |
| Cancer treatment | |
| HIV diagnosis | |
| Research | |
| Advantage over chemotherapy | |
Exam questions — 3 questions · 11 marks
⚡ Extended questions included. Read the hint. Write in full sentences. AI marks against the AQA mark scheme.
1 markHybridoma cellAQA 8461 P1 style
Why is a lymphocyte fused with a tumour cell when making monoclonal antibodies?
A Tumour cells increase the specificity of the antibody produced
B The lymphocyte provides the ability to make a specific antibody; the tumour cell provides the ability to divide rapidly and indefinitely
C Tumour cells protect the antibody from being destroyed in the body
D The lymphocyte provides nutrients for the tumour cell to survive in culture
1 markPregnancy test mechanismAQA 8461 style
A pregnancy test uses monoclonal antibodies. What antigen do the antibodies detect?
A Progesterone
B Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
C Oestrogen
D Luteinising hormone (LH)
4 marksCancer treatment using monoclonal antibodiesAQA 8461 P1 Higher Jun 2022 style
Explain how monoclonal antibodies can be used to treat cancer more effectively than traditional chemotherapy. (4 marks)
Hint: Cover: specificity → attached to drug/radiation → binds to cancer cells → kills them → healthy cells spared. Then contrast with chemotherapy.
+40 XP
Quick recall flashcards
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