# Explain how monoclonal antibodies can be used to target cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.3.2 Monoclonal antibodies (Bio only) · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Monoclonal antibodies are specific to one antigen / complementary to a specific antigen on cancer cells
2. Monoclonal antibodies can be attached to a drug / toxic substance / radioactive substance
3. The antibody binds to / attaches to the antigen on the cancer cell, delivering the drug / toxic substance directly to the cancer cell
4. Healthy cells are unaffected because they do not have the same antigen / the antibody does not bind to healthy cells

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](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-can-be-42d81471) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.