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Question #46521
The Question
In the production of monoclonal antibodies via Hybridoma technology, fused cells are cultured in HAT (Hypoxanthine-Aminopterin-Thymidine) medium. Which of the following statements correctly explains the metabolic logic of this selection process, drawing a parallel to the role of selectable markers in recombinant DNA technology?
Options
- A.
Aminopterin blocks the de novo nucleotide synthesis pathway. Unfused myeloma cells die because they lack the HGPRT enzyme needed for the salvage pathway, making HGPRT functionally analogous to an antibiotic resistance gene.
- B.
Aminopterin blocks the salvage pathway. Unfused myeloma cells die because they lack the enzymes for de novo synthesis, making the process analogous to insertional inactivation of the β-galactosidase gene.
- C.
Hypoxanthine acts as a selective toxin that eliminates unfused B-lymphocytes, while unfused myeloma cells die due to their natural short lifespan in culture.
- D.
Thymidine induces rapid proliferation of hybridomas, while unfused myeloma cells are eliminated by contact inhibition, similar to the selection of non-recombinants on an agar plate.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
HAT_Medium|Myeloma_Cells|Spleen_B_Lymphocytes
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'HAT medium selects hybridomas' without understanding the underlying metabolic block (de novo vs. salvage pathways).
This question tests the deep synthesis of two NCERT concepts: the logic of 'Selectable Markers' from Biotechnology (eliminating non-transformants to allow only desired cells to grow) applied to the metabolic selection of monoclonal antibodies in Human Health and Disease.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Antibody Structure Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |