Download Learner Resource 6: How are monoclonal antibodies used?

Learner Resource 6
How are monoclonal antibodies used?
Monoclonal antibodies can be produced in the laboratory and have a number of uses. They can be
used in pregnancy testing and to diagnose and treat certain cancers.
Below are diagrams of a pregnancy testing stick. The wick on the left is dipped into urine and the
urine travels along the stick from left to right by capillary action.
Complete the diagrams to show what is happening as the urine moves along the pregnancy test
stick. Explain what is happening at each stage underneath the diagrams.
When pregnant:
Mobile antibodies (Abs)
attached to blue beads
Test strip
immobile Abs
Check strip
immobile Abs
1. Urine
2. Urine
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3. Urine
Explain how and why the results are different when the urine of a woman who is not pregnant is
used.
Find out and explain how monoclonal antibodies can be used to detect cancers such as prostate
cancer.
Explain why monoclonal antibodies that carry drugs improve the effectiveness of a treatment.
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