AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Single hybridoma cells are cloned to produce many identical cells that all…
Full specification wording
Producing monoclonal antibodies: Single hybridoma cells are cloned to produce many identical cells that all produce the same antibody.
After fusion, a single hybridoma cell is isolated and allowed to divide by mitosis.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 8
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After fusion, a single hybridoma cell is isolated and allowed to divide by mitosis. Each division produces genetically identical daughter cells, so the population is a clone. Because every cell in the clone came from the same hybridoma, every cell carries the same antibody gene and secretes the same antibody. This is the meaning of monoclonal: one clone, one antibody. For example, a single hybridoma cell placed in a culture vessel multiplies into millions of cells, all releasing antibody that binds to the same antigen. Note that the production and cloning of monoclonal antibodies is assessed at Higher Tier only.
What earns the marks
- A single hybridoma cell is selected and grown in suitable culture conditions.
- The cell divides by mitosis to form many genetically identical cells.
- All cells in the clone produce the same antibody because they share the same antibody gene.
- The term monoclonal means that the antibody comes from a single clone of cells.
- Cloning can be carried out in a culture vessel or in a host animal, depending on the method used.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the cells divide by meiosis.
Put it right: Hybridoma cells divide by mitosis, producing identical cells.
Confusing cloning of cells with cloning of whole organisms.
Put it right: Here cloning means producing identical cells in culture.
Thinking different hybridomas make the same antibody.
Put it right: Each hybridoma clone makes one specific antibody.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase genetically identical when describing the cells produced by mitosis.
- Link the single starting cell to the identical antibody produced by every cell in the clone.
- Remember that monoclonal antibody production is a Higher Tier only topic, so expect it in more complex application questions.
Try the lesson
The start of the Producing monoclonal antibodies: Single hybridoma cells are cloned to produce many identical cells that all produce the same antibody. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Why are single hybridoma cells cloned during the production of monoclonal antibodies?
Listen
After fusion, a single hybridoma cell is isolated and allowed to divide by mitosis. Each division produces genetically identical daughter cells, so the population is a clone. Because every cell in the clone came from the same hybridoma, every cell carries the same antibody gene and secretes the same antibody. This is the meaning of monoclonal: one clone, one antibody. For example, a single hybridoma cell placed in a culture vessel multiplies into millions of cells, all releasing antibody that binds to the same antigen. Note that the production and cloning of monoclonal antibodies is assessed at Higher Tier only. A strong answer earns marks for these points. A single hybridoma cell is selected and grown in suitable culture conditions. The cell divides by mitosis to form many genetically identical cells. All cells in the clone produce the same antibody because they share the same antibody gene. The term monoclonal means that the antibody comes from a single clone of cells. A common slip: Saying the cells divide by meiosis. Instead, hybridoma cells divide by mitosis, producing identical cells. Exam tip: Use the phrase genetically identical when describing the cells produced by mitosis.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Clone of cells
- 2. Monoclonal: one clone, one antibody
- 3. All cells share the same antibody gene
- 4. Single hybridoma cell selected
- 5. Grown in suitable culture conditions
- 6. All cells produce the same antibody
- 7. Cell divides by mitosis
- 8. Many genetically identical cells
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Cloning
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Mitosis
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Monoclonal antibodies
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Cloning
- Producing many identical cells from a single hybridoma cell, in a culture vessel or in a host animal depending on the method used.
- Mitosis
- The division by which the selected hybridoma cell forms many genetically identical cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Antibodies that come from a single clone of cells, so every cell produces the same antibody.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Producing monoclonal antibodies: Single hybridoma cells are cloned to produce many identical cells that all produce the same antibody.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge