Uses of monoclonal antibodies — AQA GCSE Biology
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Uses of monoclonal antibodies explained
Monoclonal antibodies bind to one specific antigen, so they can be used wherever that antigen needs to be detected or targeted.
Read the full explanation
In pregnancy tests, an antibody binds to a hormone (hCG) in urine and produces a visible line. In laboratories, antibodies detect specific molecules in samples, for example in diagnosing infections or identifying blood groups. In medicine, antibodies can carry drugs or radioactive substances to cancer cells, or be used to treat some diseases by binding to specific targets. They may also be used in research to locate substances in cells using fluorescent markers. The uses of monoclonal antibodies are assessed at Higher Tier only.
Your focus
- Describe at least two uses of monoclonal antibodies.
- Explain how antibody specificity makes these uses possible.
- Distinguish between diagnostic uses and therapeutic uses of monoclonal antibodies.
Uses of monoclonal antibodies exam tips
Marking Points
- Monoclonal antibodies bind to a specific antigen because their binding sites are complementary to it.
- In pregnancy tests, an antibody binds to a hormone in urine and causes a visible signal.
- In diagnosis, antibodies can detect specific molecules such as pathogens or markers of disease.
- In treatment, antibodies can carry drugs or radioactive substances to specific cells such as cancer cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies are also used in research to locate specific molecules in cells or tissues.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Give named examples, such as pregnancy testing or cancer treatment, rather than general statements.
- 💡Always link the use back to the antibody binding to a specific antigen.
- 💡Remember that the uses of monoclonal antibodies are a Higher Tier only topic, so expect questions requiring detailed application of knowledge.
Common Mistakes
- Saying antibodies kill pathogens directly; correction: they bind to specific antigens, and this binding can be used to detect or target substances.
- Thinking one antibody can be used for any antigen; correction: each monoclonal antibody is specific to one antigen.
- Confusing the role of the antibody with the role of the drug it carries; correction: the antibody targets, while the drug or radioactive substance does the treating.