A hybridoma is a type of cell that is created by fusing a specific type of immune cell, called a B cell, with a cancer cell. This fusion results in a cell that can both produce a specific antibody and replicate indefinitely. Hybridomas are essential in the production of monoclonal antibodies, which are identical antibodies that target a specific antigen. These monoclonal antibodies have various applications in research, diagnostics, and therapy. They are used in medical treatments for diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, as well as in laboratory tests to detect specific proteins or pathogens. Hybridomas thus play a crucial role in modern biotechnology and medicine.