Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What is the difference between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies?
A
Monoclonal antibodies consist of different immunoglobulins recognizing a single epitope on different antigens, whereas polyclonal antibodies consist of different immunoglobulins recognizing many epitopes on an antigen.
B
Monoclonal antibodies are identical immunoglobulins recognizing a single epitope on different antigens, whereas polyclonal antibodies consist of many different immunoglobulins that recognize many epitopes on an antigen.
C
Monoclonal antibodies consist of different immunoglobulins recognizing a single epitope on the same antigen, whereas polyclonal antibodies consist of identical immunoglobulins recognizing many epitopes on an antigen.
D
Monoclonal antibodies are identical immunoglobulins recognizing a single epitope on the same antigen, whereas polyclonal antibodies consist of different immunoglobulins recognizing different epitopes on the same antigen.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic definition of antibodies: Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
Define monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are identical immunoglobulins that recognize and bind to a single specific epitope on the same antigen. They are produced by a single clone of B cells.
Define polyclonal antibodies: Polyclonal antibodies consist of a mixture of different immunoglobulins that recognize and bind to multiple epitopes on the same antigen. They are produced by different clones of B cells.
Compare the specificity: Monoclonal antibodies have high specificity for a single epitope, making them useful for targeted therapies and diagnostic tests. Polyclonal antibodies have broader reactivity, which can be advantageous for detecting a range of epitopes.
Consider the production process: Monoclonal antibodies are typically produced using hybridoma technology, which involves fusing B cells with myeloma cells. Polyclonal antibodies are usually obtained by immunizing an animal with an antigen and collecting the serum.