5.5: Antibodies
Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that bind specifically to antigens, forming antigen-antibody complexes. Their structure includes variable and constant regions, allowing them to agglutinate pathogens and mark them for destruction. Monoclonal antibodies, engineered for medical use, can target cancer cells but raise ethical concerns due to animal testing and potential side effects.
Define antibodies
Proteins with specific binding sites synthesised by B cells
Key Terms
Define antibodies
Proteins with specific binding sites synthesised by B cells
Describe the structure of antibodies
Four polypeptide chains
-Two heavy chains and two light chainsVariable region (binding site)
-Each binding sites cons...
How does the antibody lead to the destruction of the antigen?
Cause agglutination of bacterial cells. Clumps of bacterial cells are formed making it easier for phagocytes to locate them.
-They then ...
How can monoclonal antibodies treat cancer?
-Monoclonal antibodies are produced that are specific to antigens on cancer cells
-These antibodies attach themself to the receptors on cancer c...
What are some of the ethical issues with the use of monoclonal antibodies?
often tested on animals
may have unknown side effects
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Define antibodies | Proteins with specific binding sites synthesised by B cells |
Describe the structure of antibodies |
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How does the antibody lead to the destruction of the antigen? |
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How can monoclonal antibodies treat cancer? | -Monoclonal antibodies are produced that are specific to antigens on cancer cells |
What are some of the ethical issues with the use of monoclonal antibodies? |
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