Subtopic: Fundamentals of Biomolecules, enzyme kinetics
Question Statement:
Which one of the following statements is INCORRECT about hybridoma
production?
Options:
(A) Hybridoma cells can use hypoxanthine and thymidine
(B) DNA synthesis in myeloma cells is blocked by aminopterin
(C) Hybridoma cells are made to produce polyclonal antibodies
(D) Polyethylene glycol is used to fuse myeloma cells to B-cells
Official Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2021 Q.17)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Immunology & Hybridoma Technology
- Hybridoma production principles:
- Spleen B-cells (producing specific antibodies) are fused with myeloma cells (immortal) using polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Selected hybridomas are single-cell cloned to secrete identical, epitope-specific **monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)**, NOT polyclonal antibodies.
- Aminopterin blocks the de novo nucleotide synthesis pathway in myeloma cells.
- Hybridoma cells survive by utilizing hypoxanthine and thymidine via the salvage pathway (HGPRT provided by B-cells).
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) is CORRECT statement**: Hybridomas express HGPRT and TK, utilizing the salvage pathway.
- **Option (B) is CORRECT statement**: Aminopterin inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, blocking de novo synthesis.
- **Option (C) [Hybridoma cells are made to produce polyclonal antibodies] is INCORRECT (Statement false, hence the CORRECT option)**: Hybridomas are explicitly isolated to produce **monoclonal** antibodies.
- **Option (D) is CORRECT statement**: PEG is the standard chemical fusogen.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **C**
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