Infection & ResponseDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Monoclonal Antibodies · GCSE GCSE Biology revision

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Monoclonal Antibodies for GCSE Biology. Production and medical applications of identical antibodies, hybridoma cells, diagnostics It is section 11 of 17 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 11 of 17

Practice

21 questions

Recall

18 flashcards

Key Definitions

Monoclonal antibody: An antibody produced by a single clone of hybridoma cells. All monoclonal antibodies are identical and bind to the same specific antigen. They can be produced in unlimited quantities.

Hybridoma cell: A cell formed by the fusion of a B lymphocyte (which produces specific antibodies) with a myeloma (cancer) cell (which divides indefinitely). Hybridoma cells can produce specific antibodies in unlimited quantities.

Myeloma cell: A cancerous plasma cell that divides indefinitely in culture. Fused with B cells to create hybridoma cells for monoclonal antibody production.

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): A hormone produced by the developing embryo and placenta only during pregnancy. The specific antigen detected by monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy tests.

Polyclonal antibody: A mixture of antibodies produced by different B cell clones, each recognising a different epitope on the same antigen. Less specific and less consistent than monoclonal antibodies.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): A diagnostic test using monoclonal antibodies linked to enzymes to detect the presence of specific antigens or antibodies in a sample (e.g., detecting HIV antibodies in blood).

Immunoconjugate: A monoclonal antibody linked to a toxic drug, radioactive particle, or other therapeutic agent, used to deliver treatment specifically to target cells (e.g., cancer cells) while sparing healthy tissue.

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Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Monoclonal Antibodies. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

How It Works: From Hybridoma Cell to Medical Test Common Misconceptions The Magic Bullet Story Key Facts About Monoclonal Antibodies

Practice Questions for Monoclonal Antibodies

What does the term 'monoclonal antibody' mean?

A. Identical antibodies produced from a single clone of cells
B. Antibodies that target many different antigens
C. Antibodies produced by many different cells
D. Antibodies that come from multiple animal species

1 markfoundation

Explain why hybridoma cells are needed to produce monoclonal antibodies.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is hCG?

Human chorionic gonadotrophin - a hormone only produced during pregnancy, detected by pregnancy tests

What are myeloma cells?

Immortal cancer cells that divide continuously and are used to create hybridoma cells

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How It Works: From Hybridoma Cell to Medical Test

Common Misconceptions