Monoclonal antibodies can be produced in a laboratory and used in a number of ways. Describe how monoclonal antibodies are produced, starting from the injection of a specific antigen into a mouse.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (5 marks)
1. A specific antigen is injected into a mouse, triggering an immune response.
2. Lymphocytes that produce antibodies against the antigen are harvested from the mouse.
3. These lymphocytes are fused with tumour (myeloma) cells to create hybridoma cells.
4. Hybridoma cells can divide indefinitely and secrete monoclonal antibodies.
5. Hybridomas that produce the desired antibody are selected and cultured to produce large quantities of identical monoclonal antibodies.
2. Lymphocytes that produce antibodies against the antigen are harvested from the mouse.
3. These lymphocytes are fused with tumour (myeloma) cells to create hybridoma cells.
4. Hybridoma cells can divide indefinitely and secrete monoclonal antibodies.
5. Hybridomas that produce the desired antibody are selected and cultured to produce large quantities of identical monoclonal antibodies.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘fused’ for the hybridoma step; examiners look for the term ‘hybridoma’. Show the sequence: antigen → immune response → lymphocyte harvest → fusion → selection → culture. Mention that tumour cells give unlimited growth, while lymphocytes give antibody specificity.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to mention that tumour cells provide continuous division. Using ‘B‑cells’ instead of ‘lymphocytes’. Not stating that the final product is identical (monoclonal) antibodies.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- A specific antigen is injected into a mouse / animal, triggering an immune response
- Lymphocyte cells are taken from the mouse / animal (which produce antibodies complementary to that antigen)
- Lymphocyte cells are fused with tumour cells to form hybridoma cells
- Hybridoma cells can divide continuously / indefinitely AND produce monoclonal antibodies
- Cells producing the correct antibody are selected and cultured to produce large quantities of identical monoclonal antibodies
Key terms in this question
monoclonal antibodies · antigen
Related
- All Eduqas A-Level Biology revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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