Uses of monoclonal antibodiesSpec 4.3.2.2
In short
Monoclonal antibodies are useful because each binds to one specific antigen. They are used in pregnancy tests, in laboratories to measure hormone levels and detect pathogens, and in research to locate molecules using a fluorescent dye. In cancer treatment they deliver a radioactive substance or toxic drug to cancer cells without harming other cells.
Because each monoclonal antibody binds to one specific antigen, it can be used to find or target one chemical or cell type. Some examples are:
- Diagnosis, such as in pregnancy tests. The antibody binds to a hormone in the urine, which causes a visible change.
- In laboratories, to measure the levels of hormones and other chemicals in blood, or to detect pathogens.
- In research, to locate or identify specific molecules in a cell or tissue by binding to them with a fluorescent dye.
- To treat some diseases.
Treating cancer
For cancer, the monoclonal antibody can be bound to a radioactive substance, a toxic drug or a chemical which stops cells growing and dividing. The antibody delivers the substance to the cancer cells without harming other cells in the body.
You are not expected to recall specific tests or treatments. Given appropriate information, you should be able to explain how they work: the antibody binds only to its specific antigen, so it carries the substance or label to exactly the right place.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| Very specific: they target one chemical or one type of cell | They create more side effects than expected |
| In cancer treatment, they can deliver a drug or radioactive substance to cancer cells without harming other cells | They are not yet as widely used as everyone hoped when they were first developed |
The power of monoclonal antibodies raises ethical issues too. They are produced using mice, which some people object to.
In an 'explain how it works' question, always say that the antibody is specific and binds to its antigen. That one idea earns the key mark.
Quick check
What does 'monoclonal' mean?
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Produced from a single clone of cells.
Which two kinds of cell are combined to make a hybridoma cell?
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A mouse lymphocyte and a tumour cell.
Why can a monoclonal antibody target specific cells?
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It is specific to one binding site on one protein antigen.
Give two uses of monoclonal antibodies.
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Any two of: diagnosis such as pregnancy tests, measuring hormones or detecting pathogens in the lab, locating molecules in research, treating diseases such as cancer.
Written and checked against the AQA GCSE Biology (8461) specification · Updated October 2026