Hybridoma Cells - GCSE Biology Definition

Hybridoma cells are special cells created in the lab by merging a specific type of white blood cell, called a B cell, with a cancer cell. The purpose of combining these cells is to make a new cell that can produce large amounts of identical antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. The B cell part of the hybridoma is good at making antibodies, while the cancer cell part allows it to divide and grow quickly. This technique is very useful in medicine and research because it allows scientists to produce lots of the same antibody for tests, treatments, or understanding diseases.