Question

Kohler and Milstein developed biotechnology for production of
A. Modern vaccines
B. Immobilised enzymes
C. Monoclonal antibodies
D. Myelomas

Answer 1

Monoclonal antibodies are man-made proteins that serve as human antibodies in the immune system. It is basically an antibody which is made by cloning a unique WBC.

Complete answer:
Edward Jenner is considered as the founder of immunology. He developed the smallpox vaccine in 1798. Hence, ‘the option A’ is incorrect.
Immobilised enzymes were discovered in 1916. They are enzymes attached to an inert, insoluble material such as calcium alginate. That’s why ‘option B’ is incorrect.
George Kohler and Cesar Milstein discovered monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technology in 1975.
Myeloma was first reported in 1844 by Samuel Solly. It is a cancer of plasma cells. Hence ‘option D’ is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
George Kohler, Cesar Milstein and Niels Kaj Jerne won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1984 for their work in the immune system and the production of monoclonal antibodies. They immortalized antibody-producing B cells by fusing them with myeloma cells. By fusion, B cells acquire the ability to divide rapidly which allows large numbers of identical antibody-producing cells to be grown in cell culture. This system is called hybridoma technology. The term hybridoma was coined by Leonard Herzenberg. Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionised immunology and it is one of the most common analytic tests and diagnostics. It is used as a standard treatment for certain forms of cancer.

Note: Kohler and Milstein discovered monoclonal antibodies in 1975. They used hybridoma technology. For this discovery, they received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1984. Nowadays, monoclonal antibodies have become a standard treatment for certain types of cancer.