Cell fusion has played an important role in gene mapping and hybridoma formation. This kit contains cells of two different species (mouse L929 cells and human fibroblasts) which have been fused and fixed to coverslips prior to shipping. Following a staining and mounting procedure, each student will observe the fused cells and tabulate the incidence of successful heterokaryon formation (mouse cell with human cell).
The manual discusses the methods by which cells are fused and the practical applications of this technology by biomedical researchers. This kit provides a unique way of introducing somatic cell genetics and hybridoma technology and their applications.

• Enough materials for 30 students working individually
• IMR-90 cells, a normal diploid human fibroblast cell line fixed to coverslips
• L929, a transformed mouse cell line, fixed to coverslips.
• STAIN #1 and STAIN #2.
• Permount (mounting medium).
• Printed background and procedural information as well as a Glossary of Terms, References, and a Further Reading Section.

Teacher's Preparation

1. Monocular or binocular microscope (10 - 40X objectives)
2. Forceps, pipettes, microscope slides.
3. Distilled or deionized water aliquotted in small tubes or in squeeze bottles

Time Requirements
60-80 minutes, including casual observations and calculations. There is a logical stopping point for those who are not on block schedule