Biology : Developments In Biology

Q 4 / 4

UPSC CSE Prelims 2001

Hybridoma technology is a new biotechnological approach for commercial production of

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Hybridoma technology is a specialized biotechnological method developed for the large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies. This technique involves the fusion of antibody-producing B-lymphocytes (plasma cells) with myeloma cells (immortal cancer cells). The resulting hybrid cells, known as hybridomas, possess the ability to both produce a specific antibody and proliferate indefinitely in culture. Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies that recognize a single epitope, finding extensive applications in disease diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and biomedical research.

Incorrect Options

Option 2 (Interferon): Interferons are a group of signaling proteins produced by host cells in response to viral infections. Their commercial production typically involves recombinant DNA technology or cell culture, not hybridoma technology.

Option 3 (Antibiotics): Antibiotics are antimicrobial compounds primarily produced by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi through fermentation processes. Hybridoma technology is not employed for their production.

Option 4 (Alcohol): Alcohol (ethanol) is commercially produced through the fermentation of sugars by microorganisms, predominantly yeast. This process is distinct from hybridoma technology.

SOURCENCERT Class 12 Biology Chapter 11: Biotechnology - Principles and Processes