# Explain why monoclonal antibodies are described as 'monoclonal' and outline one advantage this property gives when using them as medical treatments.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Monoclonal means all antibodies are identical / come from a single clone of cells
2. All antibodies bind to the same specific antigen / binding site
3. Because they only bind one specific antigen, they can be directed to a precise target (e.g. a target on a cancer cell / pathogen)
4. So healthy / normal cells are not affected / less side effects compared with conventional treatments

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-monoclonal-antibodies-are-described-0358727c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.