What Are Monoclonal Antibodies Used For?
Learn how monoclonal antibodies are used in pregnancy tests, laboratory research, disease diagnosis and targeted cancer treatment for AQA GCSE Biology.
Monoclonal antibodies are used in diagnosis, laboratory testing, scientific research and targeted treatments such as cancer. They are useful because each type binds to one specific antigen.
This is Higher Tier, biology-only content for AQA GCSE Biology. It is part of separate Biology but not Combined Science.
Why are monoclonal antibodies useful?
An antigen is a molecule, usually a protein, that an antibody binds to. Monoclonal antibodies come from a single clone of cells, so they are identical and bind to the same antigen.
This specificity lets scientists locate or target particular cells and chemicals.
Main uses of monoclonal antibodies
- Pregnancy tests: antibodies bind to a hormone in the urine of a pregnant person, producing a visible line.
- Diagnosing disease: tests can detect particular pathogens or substances associated with a disease.
- Measuring chemicals: laboratories use them to measure levels of hormones and other chemicals in blood.
- Scientific research: a fluorescent dye can be attached to the antibody. When it binds to its target, the target becomes easier to locate.
- Cancer treatment: an antibody can carry a radioactive substance, toxic drug or chemical that stops cells growing and dividing. It binds to an antigen on cancer cells and delivers the treatment more directly, reducing damage to other cells.
Worked example
Suppose a cancer cell has a particular surface antigen. Scientists make an antibody that binds to it and attach a toxic drug. The antibody carries the drug to the cancer cell, where it has its effect.
Common exam mistake
Do not just say monoclonal antibodies “kill cancer cells”. Explain that they bind to specific antigens and can deliver treatment to targeted cells. Remember that monoclonal antibodies can cause side effects and are not as widely used as originally hoped.
