Hybridoma technique is used to obtain
Now, the question asks what the hybridoma technique is used to obtain. The correct answer should be monoclonal antibodies. Let me break down why that's the case. The process starts by immunizing an animal to get B cells that produce the desired antibody. These B cells are then fused with myeloma cells, which are immortal. The resulting hybridomas can produce the specific antibody continuously and can be cultured. This is why monoclonal antibodies are the right answer—they are produced in large quantities from these hybrid cells.
Looking at the incorrect options, they might include things like polyclonal antibodies, recombinant DNA, or other cell types. Let's think: why are those wrong? Polyclonal antibodies come from multiple B cell clones, not a hybridoma. Recombinant DNA is a different technique, used for producing proteins via genetic engineering. Tumor cells might be part of the process as myeloma cells are used, but the end product isn't tumor cells. Pluripotent stem cells are unrelated here.
The clinical pearl here is that hybridomas are the gold standard for monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial in diagnostics and therapeutics. Students should remember that hybridoma technique = monoclonal antibodies. Also, the key part is the fusion of B cells and myeloma cells to get both antibody production and immortality.
I need to make sure each section is concise. The Core Concept should state the purpose of the technique. The correct answer explanation needs to detail the fusion process and the result. Each wrong option must be addressed clearly, explaining why they don't fit. The clinical pearl should highlight the importance and application of monoclonal antibodies from hybridomas. Finally, the correct answer line is straightforward.
**Core Concept**
The hybridoma technique is a foundational method in immunology to generate **monoclonal antibodies** by fusing **B lymphocytes** (antibody-producing cells) with **myeloma cells** (immortal tumor cells). This creates **hybrid cells** that secrete a single, specific antibody indefinitely.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Hybridomas are produced by fusing **antigen-stimulated B cells** with **immortal myeloma cells**. The B cells provide the gene for antigen-specific antibody production, while the myeloma cells confer immortality. The resulting hybridoma cells grow in **HAT medium**, which selects against unfused cells. These hybridomas are cloned to ensure each produces a **homogeneous monoclonal antibody**. This technique is pivotal in research, diagnostics, and therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibody drugs like rituximab).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Polyclonal antibodies* arise from multiple B cell clones and are not produced via hybridomas.
**Option B:** *Recombinant DNA technology* involves genetic engineering, not cell fusion.
**Option C:** *Tumor cells