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Exam questions · Biology · Monoclonal Antibodies

Uses of Monoclonal Antibodies

  • 7 exam questions
  • 19 marks
  • 8 quick checks
  1. 1 State [1 mark]

    State one use of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis.

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    Model answer

    In pregnancy tests, to detect the hormone hCG in urine.

    Mark scheme

    • Pregnancy test — 1 mark
  2. 2 Name [3 marks]

    Figure 1 shows a treatment for cancer. Name the parts labelled A, B and C.

    Cancer cells and normal cells with three parts marked A, B and C.
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    Model answer

    A is a monoclonal antibody. B is an antigen (on the cancer cell). C is a normal cell.

    Mark scheme

    • A: monoclonal antibody — 1 mark
    • B: antigen — 1 mark
    • C: normal cell — 1 mark
  3. 3 Explain [3 marks]

    Explain how a monoclonal antibody can be used to treat cancer without harming other cells.

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    Model answer

    The antibody is specific to antigens on the surface of cancer cells, so it binds only to cancer cells. A drug is attached to the antibody, so it is delivered to the cancer cells. Normal cells do not have the antigen, so they are not harmed.

    Mark scheme

    • Antibody binds to antigen on cancer cells — 1 mark
    • Drug attached is delivered to the cancer cells — 1 mark
    • Normal cells do not have the antigen / not harmed — 1 mark
  4. 4 Explain [3 marks]

    In a pregnancy test, the test line turns blue only if the woman is pregnant. Explain how the test uses monoclonal antibodies to show this.

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    Model answer

    The urine of a pregnant woman contains the hormone hCG. The hormone binds to mobile monoclonal antibodies that carry blue beads. Fixed antibodies on the test line bind to the hormone and trap the beads, so the line turns blue. Without hCG the beads are not trapped.

    Mark scheme

    • hCG binds to antibodies with beads — 1 mark
    • Fixed antibodies on the test line trap them — 1 mark
    • Beads cause a blue line only if hCG is present — 1 mark
  5. 5 Describe [2 marks]

    Describe how monoclonal antibodies can be used in research to find where a particular protein is in a cell.

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    Model answer

    An antibody that binds to the protein is attached to a fluorescent dye. It is added to the cells or tissue and sticks to the protein. The dye glows, which shows where the protein is.

    Mark scheme

    • Antibody with a fluorescent dye binds the protein — 1 mark
    • Dye shows its position — 1 mark
  6. 6 Evaluate [4 marks]

    Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using monoclonal antibodies to treat disease.

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    Model answer

    Monoclonal antibodies are specific, so they can deliver a drug straight to the cancer cells without harming the rest of the body. They can also be used to diagnose and monitor disease. However, they have created more side effects than expected, and they are not yet as widely used as was hoped. They can also be expensive to produce. Overall they are very useful for targeted treatment, but have limitations.

    Mark scheme

    • Advantage: specific and targeted — 1 mark
    • Advantage: other uses — 1 mark
    • Disadvantage: more side effects than expected — 1 mark
    • Disadvantage: not as widely used / cost, and a conclusion — 1 mark
  7. 7 Suggest [3 marks]

    Scientists want to use a monoclonal antibody to measure the level of a hormone in a blood sample. Suggest how the antibody could be used and why it is suitable.

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    Model answer

    The antibody is made to bind to the hormone. It is added to the sample and the amount that binds is measured, for example using a dye. The antibody is suitable because it is specific, so it binds only to that hormone and not to other chemicals in the blood.

    Mark scheme

    • Antibody binds to the hormone — 1 mark
    • The amount bound is measured — 1 mark
    • Specific, so only that hormone is detected — 1 mark

Quick check

  1. 1

    Which hormone does a pregnancy test detect?

    1. AInsulin
    2. BAdrenaline
    3. ChCG
    4. DThyroxine
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    C: hCG

    A pregnancy test detects hCG in the urine.

  2. 2

    Why are monoclonal antibodies useful for treating cancer?

    1. AThey kill all cells
    2. BThey can deliver a drug to cancer cells only
    3. CThey make cancer cells smaller
    4. DThey replace the immune system
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    B: They can deliver a drug to cancer cells only

    They are specific and can carry a drug to cancer cells without harming other cells.

  3. 3

    What is used to show where an antibody has bound in research?

    1. AA virus
    2. BAn antibiotic
    3. CA vaccine
    4. DA fluorescent dye
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    D: A fluorescent dye

    A fluorescent dye glows to show the position of the antibody.

  4. 4

    What is a disadvantage of monoclonal antibodies?

    1. AMore side effects than expected
    2. BThey are not specific
    3. CThey are made from bacteria
    4. DThey kill red blood cells
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    A: More side effects than expected

    They have created more side effects than expected.

  5. 5

    Why does the control line on a pregnancy test always turn blue?

    1. AIt detects hCG
    2. BIt detects urea
    3. CIt shows the test has worked
    4. DIt is the same as the test line
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    C: It shows the test has worked

    It shows that the test has worked, whether or not hCG is present.

  6. 6

    Which of these can monoclonal antibodies do in a laboratory?

    1. AMake lymphocytes
    2. BClone cells
    3. CMake hormones
    4. DDetect pathogens
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    D: Detect pathogens

    They can measure the level of hormones and other chemicals in blood, or detect pathogens.

  7. 7

    Why do monoclonal antibodies bind only to certain cells?

    1. AThey are specific to one antigen
    2. BThey are very small
    3. CThey are red
    4. DThey contain a drug
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    A: They are specific to one antigen

    They are specific to an antigen found on only those cells.

  8. 8

    Which statement about monoclonal antibodies is correct?

    1. AThey are used in all treatments
    2. BThey are not yet as widely used as hoped
    3. CThey have no side effects
    4. DThey are cheap to make
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    B: They are not yet as widely used as hoped

    They are not yet as widely used as was hoped when they were first developed.