Question 1: What are monoclonal antibodies, and why are they important in medicine?

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies produced by a single clone of cells, used in medicine for targeting specific pathogens or cancer cells.

Question 2: Describe the basic principle behind hybridoma technology used in the production of monoclonal antibodies.

Answer: Hybridoma technology involves fusing a specific antibody-producing B-cell with a myeloma cell to produce a hybrid cell that can grow indefinitely and produce large quantities of a specific antibody.

Question 1: In the production of monoclonal antibodies, what role does the culture medium play?

Answer: The culture medium provides nutrients and environment necessary for hybridoma cells to grow and produce antibodies.

Question 2: Calculate the concentration (in mg/mL) of antibody solution if 50 mg of monoclonal antibody is dissolved in 250 mL of solution.

Answer: Concentration = mass/volume = 50 mg / 250 mL = 0.2 mg/mL

Question 1: Identify two safety precautions that must be taken when working with hybridoma cells in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing protective gloves and eyewear; working in a sterile environment to prevent contamination.

Question 2: Discuss one ethical concern related to the industrial production of monoclonal antibodies.

Answer: One ethical concern is the use of animals in the initial development and testing of hybridoma technology, which raises questions about animal welfare and rights.

Question 1: A factory produces 200 grams of monoclonal antibody per day. If the production process operates at 85% efficiency, what is the maximum theoretical yield in grams per day?

Answer: Maximum yield = actual yield / efficiency = 200 g / 0.85 ≈ 235.29 grams

Question 2: Explain how industrial production of monoclonal antibodies benefits healthcare and industry.

Answer: Industrial production allows for large-scale, cost-effective manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies, enabling widespread use in diagnostics, targeted therapies for diseases such as cancer, and treatments for autoimmune disorders. It ensures a consistent supply of high-purity antibodies, improving patient outcomes and advancing biomedical research.