AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
It delivers the substance to the cancer cells without harming other cells…
Full specification wording
Uses of monoclonal antibodies: It delivers the substance to the cancer cells without harming other cells in the body.
A monoclonal antibody is a single type of antibody produced from one clone of cells, so every molecule binds to the same antigen.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 5
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A monoclonal antibody is a single type of antibody produced from one clone of cells, so every molecule binds to the same antigen. In cancer treatment the antibody is chosen because its antigen is found on the surface of cancer cells. A substance that kills cells, or a radioactive substance, is attached to the antibody. When the antibody is given to the patient it circulates in the blood and binds only to cells carrying that antigen, so the substance is delivered mainly to the cancer cells. Because healthy cells lack the antigen, they are largely spared, which reduces damage to normal tissue. This is targeted delivery: the antibody acts as a carrier, not as the killer itself.
What earns the marks
- A monoclonal antibody is produced from a single clone of cells and binds to one specific antigen.
- The antigen is present on the surface of the cancer cells, so the antibody binds to them.
- A cell-killing substance or a radioactive substance is attached to the antibody.
- The antibody carries the substance to the cancer cells, so the substance reaches them.
- Healthy cells do not carry the antigen, so they are not targeted and are largely unharmed.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the antibody directly kills the cancer cells.
Put it right: The antibody delivers an attached substance, and it is that substance which kills the cells.
Claiming no other cells are affected at all.
Put it right: The intended effect is that healthy cells are largely spared, not that damage is impossible.
Confusing monoclonal antibodies with antibiotics or with vaccines.
Put it right: Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies from one clone that bind one antigen.
Exam tips
- Name the antigen as the target and state that it is on the cancer cell surface.
- Use the word targeted and explain that the antibody is the carrier of the substance.
- Link the absence of the antigen on healthy cells to why those cells are largely unharmed.
Try the lesson
The start of the Uses of monoclonal antibodies: It delivers the substance to the cancer cells without harming other cells in the body. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A monoclonal antibody carrying an anti-cancer drug binds only to a protein found on the surface of cancer cells. What is the main benefit of this for the patient?
Listen
A monoclonal antibody is a single type of antibody produced from one clone of cells, so every molecule binds to the same antigen. In cancer treatment the antibody is chosen because its antigen is found on the surface of cancer cells. A substance that kills cells, or a radioactive substance, is attached to the antibody. When the antibody is given to the patient it circulates in the blood and binds only to cells carrying that antigen, so the substance is delivered mainly to the cancer cells. Because healthy cells lack the antigen, they are largely spared, which reduces damage to normal tissue. This is targeted delivery: the antibody acts as a carrier, not as the killer itself. A strong answer earns marks for these points. A monoclonal antibody is produced from a single clone of cells and binds to one specific antigen. The antigen is present on the surface of the cancer cells, so the antibody binds to them. A cell-killing substance or a radioactive substance is attached to the antibody. The antibody carries the substance to the cancer cells, so the substance reaches them. Exam tip: Name the antigen as the target and state that it is on the cancer cell surface.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Targeted delivery
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Reducing harm to healthy cells
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Use of monoclonal antibodies in medicine
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Targeted delivery
- The antibody acts as a carrier, delivering an attached substance mainly to the cancer cells because it binds only to cells carrying that antigen.
- Reducing harm to healthy cells
- Healthy cells lack the antigen, so they are not targeted and are largely spared, which reduces damage to normal tissue.
- Use of monoclonal antibodies in medicine
- In cancer treatment the antibody is chosen because its antigen is found on the surface of cancer cells, and a cell-killing or radioactive substance is attached to it.
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 Uses of monoclonal antibodies: It delivers the substance to the cancer cells without harming other cells in the body.
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