Cell culture

Definition

Cell culture is the process of growing cells in a controlled environment outside of their natural biological context, typically in a laboratory setting. This technique allows researchers to study cellular processes, test drug responses, and investigate disease mechanisms in a simplified and manageable system. It is essential for various applications, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and cancer research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cell culture can be performed using primary cells, which are directly isolated from living tissues, or cell lines, which are immortalized cells that can be propagated indefinitely.
2. There are different types of cell culture techniques, including adherent cultures where cells grow attached to a surface, and suspension cultures where cells float freely in the culture medium.
3. Sterile techniques are crucial in cell culture to prevent contamination from bacteria, fungi, or other unwanted organisms that can disrupt experiments.
4. Cell culture has revolutionized research by enabling scientists to study specific cellular functions and interactions in isolation from complex living systems.
5. Applications of cell culture include drug testing, vaccine production, cancer research, and regenerative medicine, making it a fundamental tool in modern biology.

Review Questions

• How does cell culture facilitate the study of cellular processes compared to studying cells in their natural environment?
  • Cell culture allows researchers to isolate specific cell types and control the environmental conditions in which they grow. This controlled setting enables precise manipulation of variables such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability. By studying cells outside their natural context, scientists can better understand cellular functions and behaviors without the complexities found in living organisms.
• Discuss the importance of sterile techniques in maintaining healthy cell cultures and preventing contamination.
  • Sterile techniques are vital for ensuring that cell cultures remain uncontaminated by unwanted microorganisms. Contamination can lead to skewed experimental results or complete loss of the cell culture. Practices such as working in a laminar flow hood, using sterilized equipment, and regularly monitoring cultures for signs of contamination help maintain a clean environment conducive to healthy cell growth.
• Evaluate the impact of cell culture technology on advancements in biomedical research and therapy development.
  • Cell culture technology has significantly advanced biomedical research by providing a platform for detailed studies on cellular behavior and drug interactions. This technology enables high-throughput screening for potential drug candidates and facilitates personalized medicine approaches by allowing researchers to test therapies on patient-derived cells. Moreover, innovations in cell culture methods contribute to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, ultimately improving treatment strategies for various diseases.

Related terms

Tissue Culture: A technique closely related to cell culture, where tissues are maintained and grown in vitro to study their properties and behaviors.

Media: Nutrient solutions used to support the growth of cells in culture by providing essential nutrients, growth factors, and environmental conditions.

Contamination: The unwanted presence of microorganisms or other cells that can compromise the integrity of cell cultures and affect experimental results.