The stages involved in making monoclonal antibodies are illustrated in Fig. 2.1. Step 1: An antigen, A, is injected into a mouse. Step 2: The mouse is then left for several weeks so that an immune response can develop. Step 3: Plasma cells (effector B lymphocytes) are taken from the mouse’s spleen. Step 4: Hybridoma cells are produced. Step 5: Each hybridoma cell is separated and permitted to grow and divide. Step 6: The hybridoma cells that make anti-A antibodies are picked out and grown on a large scale.
(a(i))[4]
Using Fig. 2.1, explain what occurs during an immune response in step 2.
(a(ii))[1]
Using Fig. 2.1, explain what is meant by a hybridoma cell in step 4.
(a(iii))[2]
Using Fig. 2.1, why must hybridoma cells be produced in step 4?
(a(iv))[1]
Using Fig. 2.1, explain how hybridoma cells that produce anti-A antibody can be identified.
(b(i))[3]
Using Fig. 2.2, describe the effect of infliximab treatment on these people.
(b(ii))[1]
Suggest why the results for groups Q and R do not match the overall pattern.
(c)[3]
Explain the advantages of using monoclonal antibodies, compared with conventional methods, in diagnosing disease.