Definition

A type of cell created in a lab by combining an antibody-making cell with a cancer cell, which can grow and produce a specific type of antibody continuously.

Example

Researchers use hybridomas to produce large amounts of monoclonal antibodies for medical research.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a hybridoma?

I think so, isn’t it a type of cell used in labs?

Exactly! It’s created by fusing an antibody-producing cell with a tumor cell.

That sounds really interesting, especially how it helps make monoclonal antibodies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hybridoma → It is formed from "hybrid" (from Latin "hybrida", meaning a mixture or crossbreed) and "-oma" (from Greek "oma", meaning tumor or swelling). The word "hybridoma" refers to a tumor formed from the fusion of two different types of cells, typically a B cell and a myeloma cell, creating a hybrid cell line that can produce specific antibodies.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'mixture' ('hybrid') of cells that forms a 'tumor' ('-oma') — that's why hybridoma refers to a cell line created from two different types of cells.

Visually Confused Words