sejtösszeolvadás

Sejtösszeolvadás, also known as cell fusion, is a biological process where two or more cells combine to form a single, larger cell. This phenomenon can occur naturally under certain physiological conditions or can be induced artificially in a laboratory setting. Natural cell fusion is vital for various developmental processes, such as the formation of muscle fibers from myoblasts, the creation of multinucleated cells like osteoclasts, and the successful fertilization of an egg cell by a sperm cell.

Artificial induction of cell fusion is a powerful tool in biotechnology and research. It allows scientists to create hybrid cells with novel properties, which can be used for a variety of applications. For instance, cell fusion is employed in the production of monoclonal antibodies, where antibody-producing B cells are fused with immortal myeloma cells to create hybridomas. These hybridomas can then be cultured indefinitely, producing a continuous supply of a specific antibody. Cell fusion is also used in genetic engineering, plant breeding to create hybrid plants with desirable traits, and in studying cell-cell interactions and gene expression. The process typically involves overcoming the cell membrane's natural repulsion and requires specific methods, such as the use of chemical agents like polyethylene glycol (PEG), electrical pulses (electrofusion), or viral fusogenic proteins.