Question 1: Define monoclonal antibodies and explain their primary use in medicine.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, or mimic the immune system's attack on pathogens. They are primarily used for targeted treatment of diseases like cancer and infectious diseases.

Question 2: Describe the basic mechanism by which monoclonal antibodies target specific pathogens or cells.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies are designed to bind specifically to antigens on pathogens or diseased cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or blocking their activity.

Question 1: If a monoclonal antibody dose is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight and an astronaut weighs 70 kg, how much total antibody is needed for the dose? Show your calculation.

Answer: 700 mg (Calculation: 10 mg/kg x 70 kg = 700 mg)

Question 2: The stability of monoclonal antibodies in space is affected by temperature. If the optimal storage temperature is 2°C, and the storage unit fluctuates between 2°C and 25°C during a mission, what is the risk to the antibody's effectiveness? Briefly explain.

Answer: Higher temperatures can denature or degrade monoclonal antibodies, reducing their effectiveness. Fluctuations above 2°C increase the risk of loss of activity.

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies against a bacterial infection on a spacecraft. Identify the variables involved and safety precautions.

Answer: The experiment involves administering monoclonal antibodies to infected samples in controlled environments aboard the spacecraft. Independent variable: dosage of antibodies. Dependent variable: rate of bacterial clearance. Control variables: temperature, initial infection level. Safety precautions include handling pathogens with sterile techniques, using proper protective gear, and ensuring waste disposal is safe to prevent contamination.

Question 1: Scenario: A space agency considers using monoclonal antibodies developed from genetically modified animals for treating astronauts during long missions. Discuss the ethical issues involved with this approach.

Answer: Ethical issues include concerns about animal welfare and rights, potential unforeseen health effects from genetically modified organisms, consent and information transparency, and the moral implications of using genetically modified products in humans. Balancing scientific benefits with moral responsibilities is essential.

Question 2: If data from the experiment shows a 95% success rate in treating infections without adverse effects, how should this influence ethical decision-making for future space biomedical interventions?

Answer: A high success rate supports ethical justification for use, provided ongoing safety is ensured, but considerations about long-term effects, consent, and animal rights must also be addressed.

Question 1: Discuss the ethical considerations of deploying monoclonal antibody treatments during space missions, including potential benefits and moral dilemmas. Your answer should consider scientific, moral, and social perspectives. (6 marks)

Answer: Deploying monoclonal antibodies in space offers benefits like rapid treatment of infections, which is critical during long missions where medical resources are limited. Ethically, this raises dilemmas about animal testing for antibody development, potential side effects, and informed consent of astronauts. Balancing the health benefits against moral concerns about genetic modification, animal welfare, and unforeseen consequences requires careful ethical evaluation. Transparent decision-making involving scientific, moral, and social considerations is essential to ensure responsible use of this technology.

Question 1: How might ethical concerns about monoclonal antibodies influence policies for medical treatments in future space missions? Provide specific examples.

Answer: Ethical concerns may lead to stricter regulations on animal testing, informed consent procedures, and transparency about risks. Policies might include ethical review boards, limits on genetically modified sources, and protocols for monitoring long-term health effects to ensure moral responsibilities are upheld.