Explain how monoclonal antibodies are produced in the laboratory. Include in your answer the type of cell used and how it is formed.

AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.2.4 Cell Recognition and the Immune System · Explain · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

1. A mouse (or other animal) is injected with a specific antigen.
2. The animal’s B‑lymphocytes produce the specific antibody.
3. The B‑lymphocytes are fused with tumour (myeloma) cells.
4. The fusion creates a hybridoma cell.
5. The hybridoma cells are cloned and cultured to produce large quantities of identical (monoclonal) antibodies.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact sequence of steps; each point is worth one mark.
  • Mention the key cell types (B‑lymphocyte and myeloma cell).
  • Show the final product – monoclonal antibodies – to demonstrate understanding of the process.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the animal with the cell type; students write ‘mouse cells’ instead of ‘B‑lymphocytes’.
  • Omitting the fusion step or the cloning step, losing marks for incomplete process.
  • Using vague terms like ‘immune cells’ instead of specifying B‑lymphocytes and myeloma cells.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

  1. A mouse (or other animal) is injected with a specific antigen
  2. The mouse produces lymphocytes (B-lymphocytes) that make the specific antibody
  3. Lymphocytes are fused with tumour (myeloma) cells
  4. This forms a hybridoma cell
  5. Hybridoma cells are cloned / cultured to produce large quantities of identical (monoclonal) antibodies

Key terms in this question

monoclonal antibodies

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