Hybridoma Formation in Monoclonal Antibody Production

Steps:

• Identify the process: Monoclonal antibodies are produced using hybridoma technology, where immune cells are fused to create immortalized antibody-secreting cells.
• Recall the key fusion: B-lymphocytes, which produce specific antibodies, are fused with another cell type to enable continuous production.
• Determine the fusion partner: The partner must be cancerous for immortality and non-antibody producing to isolate the desired antibodies.
• Confirm the result: This fusion creates a hybridoma cell that secretes monoclonal antibodies indefinitely.

Why D is correct:

• Myeloma cells are immortal cancer cells fused with B-lymphocytes in hybridoma technology to form hybrid cells that produce monoclonal antibodies, as defined in immunology protocols.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Antigen: Antigens stimulate B-cell activation but are not fused with B-lymphocytes.
• B. Clone: A clone refers to identical cells but is not a fusion partner.
• C. Macrophage: Macrophages present antigens but do not fuse with B-lymphocytes for hybridoma creation.

Final answer: D