What term describes antibodies produced from a single clone of B cells?

• A. Polyclonal antibodies
• B. Monoclonal antibodies
• C. Recombinant antibodies
• D. Synthetic antibodies

Answer: (B)

Antibodies produced from a single clone of B cells are monoclonal antibodies. This means all the antibody molecules come from one B cell lineage, so they are identical in structure and bind the same specific epitope with the same affinity. That uniformity is what makes monoclonal antibodies highly specific for a single target, which is essential for precise diagnostics and targeted therapies.

In contrast, antibodies from many different B cell clones—polyclonal antibodies—recognize multiple epitopes on the same antigen and vary in binding strength. Monoclonal antibodies are typically generated by creating an immortal cell line (hybridoma) from a single antibody-producing B cell, ensuring a continuous supply of the same antibody. Recombinant antibodies involve cloning the antibody genes into expression systems and can be monoclonal or polyclonal depending on how they’re produced, while synthetic antibodies are engineered constructs not necessarily derived from a single B cell clone. Therefore, the term that describes antibodies from a single B cell clone is monoclonal antibodies.