Final answer:
A heterokaryon is the name of a cell produced by somatic cell hybridization that contains two complete nuclei from different cells. Such cells are created when two different types of cells fuse but their nuclei remain distinct. These may eventually form a hybrid cell, especially when one of the parent cells is immortal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of a cell produced by somatic cell hybridization that contains two complete nuclei from different cells is called a heterokaryon. Somatic cell hybridization involves fusing two different cell types to create a single cell with two nuclei. This process can be achieved through various techniques, one of which includes using surface-active agents like polyethylene glycol (PEG) to facilitate the fusion of the cells.
In the context of somatic cell hybridization, two distinct cells combine, but their nuclei do not immediately fuse to form a single nucleus. This creates a unique cellular state known as heterokaryon, which features two separate and distinct nuclei within one cell. Over time, the nuclei of some heterokaryones may fuse to form hybrids. Notably, when fusing an immortal cell (capable of indefinite growth in culture) with a mortal cell (not capable of indefinite growth), the resulting hybrid cell can inherit the immortal characteristics and be maintained indefinitely in culture.
Contrasting this process, the fusion of gametes during sexual reproduction leads to the creation of a diploid zygote where syngamy occurs, and the genetic material combines into one nucleus. This also underlies the technique used in somatic cell nuclear transfer where a diploid nucleus from a donor is transferred to an enucleated egg cell to create an artificially cloned individual.