Somatic Cell Hybrids

Somatic cell hybrids are formed through fusion of different somatic cells of the same or different species. Somatic cell hybrids contain the nucleus of both cells and in addition all cytoplasmic organelles from both parents, in contrast to the generative hybrids where generally mitochondria and plastids are not transmitted through the male.

For the fusion of cultured somatic cells, the use of various special techniques is necessary. Most commonly, protoplasts are used and the fusion medium is: polyethylene glycol [MW 1300–1600] 25 g, CaCl₂.2H₂O 10 mM, KH₂PO₄ 0.7 mM, glucose 0.2 M in 100 mL H₂O, pH 5.5 for plants. The best media may vary according to species. The isolation of somatic animal cell hybrids was greatly facilitated by using selective media (see Fig. S82). (HAT medium).

Figure S82.

Selective isolation of animal somatic cell hybrids deficient in thymidine kinase and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase. On “HAT” medium only the complementary heterokaryons survive....