Monoclonal Antibodies
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.2.1
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are produced from clones (genetically identical copies) of cells (often white blood cells). They are all identical and are complementary to one type of antigen (proteins found on the surface of pathogens).
Target specific cells/chemicals
- Monoclonal antibodies are specific to one binding site (area) on one protein antigen (on the surface of cells).
- This means that monoclonal antibodies target specific chemicals or cells in the body.
Test yourself on Monoclonal Antibodies
What are antigens?
Why can monoclonal antibodies target only specific cells or chemicals in the body?
Why does producing monoclonal antibodies from clones of cells result in antibodies that are identical to each other?
Why is a monoclonal antibody complementary to only one type of antigen?