Biology in the LaboratoryDNA in the Lab |
What is a chimera? |
The chimera from Greek mythology is a fire-breathing monster with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. The chimera of biotechnology is an animal formed from two different species or strains—that is, a mixture of cells from two very early embryos. Most chimeras used in research are made from different mouse strains—and they cannot reproduce.