Telomerase in Immortalized Cells of Hybridoma Technique

Steps:

• Identify the three cell types: 1 (myeloma cells, immortalized), 2 (spleen B cells, normal), 3 (hybridoma cells, fused and immortalized).
• Recall telomerase maintains telomeres in cells undergoing many divisions, active in cancer/immortal cells.
• Determine telomerase presence: active in immortalized myeloma (1) and hybridoma (3) cells, inactive in normal spleen cells (2).
• Select option matching cells 1 and 3.

Why C is correct:

• Myeloma and hybridoma cells are immortalized, requiring active telomerase to prevent telomere shortening during unlimited divisions, per telomere maintenance theory.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Includes spleen cells (2), which are mortal and lack telomerase.
• B: Excludes hybridoma cells (3), which inherit telomerase activity from myeloma.
• D: Includes spleen cells (2), which do not express telomerase.

Final answer: C