GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Monoclonal Antibody Production

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Infection and Response Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal Antibody Production

2:42 Monoclonal Antibodies
Spec 4.3.2.1
Previous Monoclonal Antibodies Next Uses of Monoclonal Antibodies
  • Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single clone of cells taken from mice.
  • The production process occurs in a laboratory setting.
  • Step one involves injecting a specific antigen into a mouse.
  • Antigens are specific proteins usually found on the surface of cells.
  • In step two, the mouse's white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, produce antibodies specific to the injected antigen.
  • Step three involves collecting these cells from the mouse and fusing them with a tumor cell to create a hybridoma.
  • Hybridomas are cells that combine lymphocytes and tumor cells, allowing them to divide uncontrollably and produce antibodies.
  • The term "hybridoma" combines "hybrid" (something made of different elements) and "oma" (tumor).
  • In step four, single hybridoma cells are cloned to produce identical cells that can produce the desired antibody.
  • Step five sees the cloned hybrid cells continuously producing the desired antibody due to their cancerous hybrid nature, allowing them to divide indefinitely.
  • The final step, step six, involves collecting and purifying the desired antibody, which can then be used in large quantities after being separated from the cells.

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