Subtopic: Fundamentals of Cell structure and signaling
Question Statement:
Antibody-producing hybridoma cells are generated by the fusion of a
Options:
(A) I cell with a myeloma cell
(B) B cell with a myeloma cell
(C) macrophage with a myeloma cell
(D) T cell and a B cell
Official Answer Key:
B
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2019 Q.44)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Hybridoma Technology & Cell Fusion
- In the generation of monoclonal antibody-producing hybridoma cells (Köhler and Milstein):
- Normal, primary antibody-secreting **B-lymphocytes (splenocytes)** from an immunized mammal (e.g., mouse) are fused with immortal **myeloma cells** (plasmacytoma cancer cells).
- Splenocytes provide the genetic program for specific antibody production and functional HGPRT enzyme, while myeloma cells provide immortality.
- The fusion is chemically induced using **Polyethylene glycol (PEG)** or physically via electrofusion.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) is INCORRECT**: Fusion of T-cells produces T-cell hybridomas, not antibody-secreting cells.
- **Option (B) [B-cells and myeloma cells] is CORRECT**: The canonical cell fusion pairing yielding immortal monoclonal antibody-producing hybridomas.
- **Option (C) is INCORRECT**: Macrophages do not produce antibodies.
- **Option (D) is INCORRECT**: Fibroblasts do not synthesize immunoglobulins.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **B**
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