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Plant disease and monoclonal antibodies
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Plants defend themselves against pathogens. Monoclonal antibodies are a powerful medical tool. Separate Biology only.
Plant defences
Physical: waxy cuticle, cellulose cell walls, bark.
Chemical: antiseptics and toxins that kill pathogens or deter animals.
Plant diseases can be identified by symptoms, testing in a lab, or monoclonal antibody kits.
Chemical: antiseptics and toxins that kill pathogens or deter animals.
Plant diseases can be identified by symptoms, testing in a lab, or monoclonal antibody kits.
Monoclonal antibodies
Identical antibodies made from one clone of cells.
A mouse lymphocyte that makes the right antibody is fused with a tumour cell to form a hybridoma, which divides rapidly and makes lots of the antibody.
A mouse lymphocyte that makes the right antibody is fused with a tumour cell to form a hybridoma, which divides rapidly and makes lots of the antibody.
Uses
Pregnancy tests: antibodies detect the hormone hCG in urine.
Diagnosis: finding specific molecules in blood.
Cancer treatment: antibodies can carry a drug straight to cancer cells.
Diagnosis: finding specific molecules in blood.
Cancer treatment: antibodies can carry a drug straight to cancer cells.
Why are monoclonal antibodies useful for targeting cancer cells?
- They bind only to a specific antigen.
- Cancer cells have particular antigens.
- So a drug attached to the antibody reaches cancer cells but fewer healthy cells.
Answer: They bind specifically to antigens on cancer cells.
Plants defend with physical barriers and chemicals. Monoclonal antibodies come from hybridoma cells and bind to one specific antigen: used in pregnancy tests, diagnosis and cancer treatment.
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