Biology Homework

Formation of monoclonal antibodies

1. An antigen is injected into a mouse
2. The mouse naturally produces lymphocytes, which produce antibodies specific to the antigen
3. Spleen cells which produce the lymphocytes are removed during a small operation
4. The spleen cells are fused with human cancerous white blood cells called myeloma cells to form hybridoma cells which divide indefinitely
5. These hybridoma cells divide and produce millions of monoclonal antibodies specific to the original antigen

   Benefits

   Monoclonal antibodies can be designed to bind to, and identify, almost any substance. They can be used for many purposes:

   • testing for pregnancy by detecting HCG hormones in urine
   • testing for diseases such herpes and chlamydia, and HIV which can lead to the development of AIDS
   • to treat conditions like cancer by carrying drugs directly to the tumour cells, and helping the immune system attack them
   • monoclonal antibodies can be produced quickly…