Cell culture

Definition

Cell culture is the process of growing and maintaining cells in a controlled environment outside their natural habitat, typically in a laboratory setting. This technique allows scientists to study cellular processes, test drug effects, and produce biological products. Cell culture is a fundamental tool in biotechnology, providing insights into cell behavior and enabling advancements in medicine and research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cell culture can be classified into primary cultures, which are derived directly from tissues, and established cell lines, which are cells that have been adapted to grow continuously in vitro.
2. The environment for cell culture must be carefully controlled, including temperature, pH, and nutrient supply, to ensure optimal growth and function of the cells.
3. Cell culture is essential for vaccine development, as it allows for the growth of viruses in a controlled environment where they can be harvested for production.
4. Contamination is a major risk in cell culture; aseptic techniques are critical to prevent bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms from affecting the cultures.
5. Applications of cell culture include drug screening, cancer research, regenerative medicine, and genetic engineering, highlighting its significance across various fields.

Review Questions

• How does cell culture contribute to advancements in biotechnology?
  • Cell culture plays a crucial role in biotechnology by providing a controlled environment to study cellular behaviors and interactions. This allows researchers to test the effects of new drugs on specific cell types without the complexity of a whole organism. Additionally, cell cultures are used for producing proteins and antibodies that are essential for medical therapies, thereby advancing both research and clinical applications.
• What are some common challenges faced when working with cell cultures and how can they impact experimental outcomes?
  • Common challenges in cell culture include contamination from bacteria or fungi and maintaining the right environmental conditions for growth. Contamination can lead to unreliable results as it affects cell viability and function. Moreover, if cells do not receive adequate nutrients or if the pH is not properly maintained, it can result in altered cellular responses, which may skew experimental data and lead to incorrect conclusions.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding the use of cell cultures derived from human tissues in scientific research.
  • The use of human-derived cell cultures raises several ethical considerations that must be carefully evaluated. Key issues include informed consent from donors, ensuring that tissues are sourced ethically and without exploitation. Additionally, researchers must consider the implications of using stem cells and the potential for creating or manipulating human life. Balancing scientific advancement with ethical responsibility is crucial to maintaining public trust and adhering to moral standards in biotechnological research.

Related terms

Tissue Culture: A technique similar to cell culture but involves the growth of whole tissues or organs rather than just individual cells.

Bioreactor: A vessel or container in which biological reactions take place, often used for growing large quantities of cells or microorganisms under controlled conditions.

Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various types of cells and are often used in cell culture for research and therapeutic applications.