# 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

## 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

- [monoclonal antibodies](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monoclonal-antibodies)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-monoclonal-antibodies-are-produced-f4c01753) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.