This key facts covers Key Facts About Monoclonal Antibodies within Monoclonal Antibodies for GCSE Biology. Production and medical applications of identical antibodies, hybridoma cells, diagnostics It is section 2 of 17 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Key Facts About Monoclonal Antibodies
- Monoclonal = from a single clone of cells, producing identical antibodies
- Polyclonal = from many different clones, producing varied antibodies
- All monoclonal antibodies are specific to one antigen
- Made using hybridoma cells (fusion of B cell + immortal cell)
- Can be produced in unlimited quantities in laboratories
- Used in pregnancy tests, cancer treatment, and disease diagnosis
Practice questions for Monoclonal Antibodies
What does the term 'monoclonal antibody' mean?
Explain why hybridoma cells are needed to produce monoclonal antibodies.
Quick recall flashcards
What are myeloma cells?
Immortal cancer cells that divide continuously and are used to create hybridoma cells
What is hCG?
Human chorionic gonadotrophin - a hormone only produced during pregnancy, detected by pregnancy tests