Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Hybridoma technology is a bioengineering method used to produce large quantities of identical antibodies, known as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Monoclonal antibodies are produced by fusing a specific antibody-producing cell with a cancerous cell line that can replicate indefinitely.
Typically, an animal (like a mouse) is immunized with a target antigen.
The animal's spleen is later harvested because it is rich in antibody-producing B-lymphocytes (splenocytes).
These spleen cells are then fused with immortal myeloma cells (cancerous B-cells) using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to create hybridomas.
The resulting hybridoma cells possess both the antibody-secreting capability of the spleen cell and the immortal growth characteristics of the myeloma cell.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Spleen cells (antibody-producing B-cells) are fused with myeloma cells in hybridoma technology.