Question 1: Define monoclonal antibodies and explain their primary function in medical treatments.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to bind specifically to certain antigens, primarily used to target and destroy harmful cells such as cancer cells or pathogens.

Question 2: Which of the following is a common use of monoclonal antibodies? A) Vaccination B) Targeted cancer therapy C) Antibiotic production D) Genetic modification

Answer: B) Targeted cancer therapy

Question 3: Fill in the blank: Monoclonal antibodies are produced in the laboratory using a single type of _______ cell.

Answer: B cell

Question 4: Explain briefly how monoclonal antibodies are used to treat cancer.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies can target specific antigens on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or delivering chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells.

Question 5: A scientist produces 500 million monoclonal antibody cells in a lab. If each cell produces 10 nanograms of antibodies, what is the total weight of antibodies produced in grams? (Show your calculation with the formula: Total weight = number of cells × antibodies per cell)

Answer: Total weight = 500,000,000 cells × 10 nanograms = 5,000,000,000 nanograms = 5 grams

Question 6: If a treatment requires a dose of 2 milligrams of monoclonal antibodies per patient, how many patients can be treated with 10 grams of antibodies? (Use the formula: Number of patients = total weight / dose per patient)

Answer: Number of patients = 10,000 milligrams / 2 milligrams = 5,000 patients

Question 7: Identify two safety precautions that must be observed when handling monoclonal antibodies in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing protective gloves and eye protection to prevent contamination or allergic reactions.

Question 8: Describe a scenario where monoclonal antibodies could be used in a diagnostic test.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies can be used in pregnancy tests or disease detection kits to identify specific antigens or proteins associated with certain conditions, providing a quick diagnosis.

Question 9: In industry, monoclonal antibodies are used to purify specific proteins from mixtures. Explain how this process works.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies are attached to a solid support; when the mixture passes through, they bind specifically to their target protein, allowing other components to be washed away. The target protein can then be eluted and collected.

Question 10: Explain how the development of monoclonal antibodies has impacted treatment options for diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Answer: Monoclonal antibodies have allowed for targeted therapy, meaning treatments can specifically attack diseased cells without harming healthy tissue. This has improved the effectiveness of treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases, reduced side effects, and enabled personalized medicine approaches.