10 Questions
What is a major advantage of monoclonal antibodies over polyclonal antibodies?
They can be produced in a lifelong culture
Why are polyclonal antibodies often used against large antigens such as bacteria?
Because they can recognize multiple epitopes
What is a limitation of polyclonal antibodies?
They have a finite source due to the limited lifespan of the animal
Why are monoclonal antibodies often used in immunoassays?
Because they provide a constant antibody source
What is a difference between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in terms of purification?
Polyclonal antibodies require more purification
Which of the following is a limitation of polyclonal antibodies?
The source of antibodies is finite
Why are monoclonal antibodies restricted to mice?
Because the cell culture technology is well established for mice
What is a characteristic of monoclonal antibodies in terms of their production?
They can be produced quickly and at a low cost
What is a reason why polyclonal antibodies are often used against large antigens?
Because they can recognize multiple epitopes on the antigen
What is an advantage of using monoclonal antibodies in terms of their source?
They have a constant source of antibodies
Study Notes
Monoclonal Antibodies
- Restricted to mouse as source
- Can be developed and grown in cell culture, making it a quick and cost-effective method
- Offers a lifelong culture, ensuring a constant source of antibodies
- Requires minimal purification, as the antibodies are identical and uniform
- Most commonly used in immunoassays due to their high specificity and sensitivity
Polyclonal Antibodies
- Can be derived from multiple animal sources, as long as the animal is large enough
- Requires animal housing, which is subject to strict regulations
- Has a finite source, as the animal will eventually die of old age, and the antibody source changes each time a new animal is used
- Requires purification of antibodies from all other cell components, which can be a complex and time-consuming process
- Best suited for large antigens, such as bacteria, whose epitopes may change, and requires a mixture of antibodies to recognize different epitopes
Monoclonal Antibodies
- Restricted to mouse as source
- Can be developed and grown in cell culture, making it a quick and cost-effective method
- Offers a lifelong culture, ensuring a constant source of antibodies
- Requires minimal purification, as the antibodies are identical and uniform
- Most commonly used in immunoassays due to their high specificity and sensitivity
Polyclonal Antibodies
- Can be derived from multiple animal sources, as long as the animal is large enough
- Requires animal housing, which is subject to strict regulations
- Has a finite source, as the animal will eventually die of old age, and the antibody source changes each time a new animal is used
- Requires purification of antibodies from all other cell components, which can be a complex and time-consuming process
- Best suited for large antigens, such as bacteria, whose epitopes may change, and requires a mixture of antibodies to recognize different epitopes
Compare and contrast monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, including their sources, advantages, and limitations. Learn about the differences in their production, purification, and uses in immunoassays.
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