Definition Monoclonal antibodies are the type of antibodies produced by the same clone of B cells against a specific antigen. Production 1. A mice is injected with the antigen against which the antibody is to be produced. 2. The B cells of the mice start producing antibodies against the antigen. 3.Read more
Definition
Monoclonal antibodies are the type of antibodies produced by the same clone of B cells against a specific antigen.
Production
1. A mice is injected with the antigen against which the antibody is to be produced.
2. The B cells of the mice start producing antibodies against the antigen.
3. These antibody producing B cells are selected. B cells are mortal and antibody producing cells. They undergo de novo and salvage pathway to produce DNA.
4. HGPRT negative Myeloma cells are selected which are immortal and cancer causing. They undergo de novo pathway for DNA synthesis and HGPRT inhibits the salvage pathway.
5. Myeloma cells and B cells are fused to produce hybridoma cells.
6. Hybridoma cells are then screened using HAT medium (HAT is an inhibitor of de Novo pathway).
7. The B and myeloma cells die due to finite cell division and lack of DNA synthesis respectively in HAT medium.
8. Hybridoma cells survive in HAT medium which are immortal and antibody producing.
9. These hybridoma cells are amplified and used to produce monoclonal antibodies against a specific antigen.
10. The monoclonal antibodies are then screened and packed in bottles for public use.
Uses:
Monoclonal antibodies are widely used in biotechnology such as
1. They are used in research field to study about biological processes.
2. They are widely used in diagnosis of many diseases and antigens.
3. They are commonly used in treating many diseases like cancer and autoimmune diseases.
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The first genetically engineered (GE) crop in India was Bt cotton, introduced in 2002. Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) that contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These genes produce proteins that are toxic to specific insect pests, particularly the bollworRead more
The first genetically engineered (GE) crop in India was Bt cotton, introduced in 2002. Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) that contains genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). These genes produce proteins that are toxic to specific insect pests, particularly the bollworm, which is a major pest affecting cotton crops.
Production of Bt Cotton
The production of Bt cotton involved the following steps:
Pros of Bt Cotton
Cons of Bt Cotton
- Development of Resistance: Over time, target pests can develop resistance to the Bt toxin, rendering the technology less effective.
- Impact on Non-Target Organisms: There are concerns about the impact of Bt toxin on non-target organisms, although studies on this have shown mixed results.
- Biodiversity: The widespread adoption of Bt cotton may reduce agricultural biodiversity.
- Cost of Seeds: Bt cotton seeds are often more expensive than conventional seeds, which can be a burden for small-scale farmers.
- Regulatory and Ethical Concerns: There are ongoing debates about the safety and ethics of genetically modified crops, including concerns about long-term health effects and corporate control over seed supplies
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