ADCs are molecules made of a monoclonal antibody linked to a cancer drug - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
ADCs are molecules made of a monoclonal antibody linked to a cancer drug.
Figure 8 shows how an ADC enters and kills a tumour cell.
The process of entering the cel... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:ADCs are molecules made of a monoclonal antibody linked to a cancer drug - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Cell ingests/engulfs the antibody/ADC
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Answer
The antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) first binds to an antigen on the surface of the tumour cell. This initiates the process similar to phagocytosis where the ADC is surrounded by the cell membrane.
Step 2
Lysosomes fuse with the vesicle/phagosome
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Answer
Once the ADC is internalized, the cellular membrane forms a vesicle or phagosome that contains the ADC. Lysosomes then fuse with this vesicle.
Step 3
Lysosomes break down/digest the antibody/ADC
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Answer
The lysosomes release hydrolytic enzymes that break down the antibody component of the ADC, leading to the release of the drug within the tumour cell. This process ultimately results in cell death.
