Fusion of human cells with carrot protoplasts induced by polyethylene glycol

Abstract

HeLa cells were fused with protoplasts of carrot (Daucus carota) by the use of polyethylene glycol as fusion agent. The two types of nuclei can be recognized in the heterokaryon by their differential staining ability and by the tritium labelling of HeLa cells. Seventy-two hours after fusion the cells appeared surrounded by cell walls and in some cases contained HeLa and carrot fused interphase nuclei. The percentage of fusion is estimated to be approximately 0.3 to 0.6%.