# Monoclonal antibodies can be used in the treatment of cancer. Explain how monoclonal antibodies are produced and how they can be used to treat cancer patients.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 3.2 Respiration · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A specific antigen is injected into an animal (e.g. a mouse) to trigger an immune response
2. Lymphocyte cells are taken from the animal / lymphocytes produce antibodies complementary to the antigen
3. Lymphocyte cells are fused with tumour cells to make hybridoma cells, which can divide continuously and produce monoclonal antibodies
4. Monoclonal antibodies are made to bind to antigens on specific cancer cells
5. The monoclonal antibodies carry chemotherapy drugs directly to the cancer cells, targeting them specifically

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/monoclonal-antibodies-can-be-used-in-768b7d79) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.