Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Genetic technology applied to medicine

Genetic technology applied to medicine — practice question

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.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Reference made to antigen-presenting cells

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