Question

Monoclonal antibodies differ from polyclonal antibodies in their property of reacting with specific

• A. Antigen
• B. Clone of cell
• C. Epitope
• D. Antibody

Hint:

Think of it this way: An antigen is a whole car. Polyclonal antibodies are like a group of people who recognize the car by its wheels, doors, headlights, and logo. Monoclonal antibodies are like a specialist who only recognizes the car by its specific hood ornament (the epitope).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question focuses on the key difference in epitope specificity between monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. An antigen has multiple epitopes, which are distinct recognition sites for antibodies.

Step 2: Detailed Breakdown:
- Polyclonal antibodies are a mixture of diverse antibodies from different B-cell clones. They recognize and bind to {multiple different epitopes} on a single antigen.
- Monoclonal antibodies are a uniform collection of identical antibodies produced by a single B-cell clone. They all bind to the {exact same, single specific epitope} on the antigen.
- Both antibody types react with the antigen, but differ in epitope specificity. Monoclonal antibodies target a single epitope, while polyclonal antibodies target multiple epitopes on the same antigen.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Monoclonal antibodies are distinguished from polyclonal antibodies by their reactivity with a single, specific epitope. Therefore, option (C) is correct.