Cell culture

Definition

Cell culture is the process of growing cells under controlled conditions, typically outside of their natural environment, in order to study their behavior, physiology, and interactions. This technique is essential in biotechnology as it allows researchers to manipulate cellular environments and analyze cellular responses to various treatments or conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cell culture techniques can be classified into primary cultures, where cells are taken directly from living tissue, and established cell lines, which are derived from primary cultures that have been subcultured multiple times.
2. Cell cultures are widely used in drug development and toxicity testing, allowing researchers to evaluate how different compounds affect cellular functions.
3. The growth medium used in cell culture contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and hormones that support cell viability and proliferation.
4. Different types of cells require specific conditions for optimal growth, including temperature, pH, and gas composition (like oxygen and carbon dioxide levels).
5. Cell culture is fundamental in producing vaccines, as it allows for the growth of virus particles in a controlled setting before they are harvested for use.

Review Questions

• How does cell culture contribute to our understanding of cellular behavior and interactions?
  • Cell culture allows researchers to create controlled environments where they can manipulate variables like nutrient availability and chemical exposure. This helps scientists observe how cells respond to these changes, enabling a deeper understanding of cellular behavior and interactions. By isolating specific cell types, researchers can study their unique properties and how they communicate with one another in a more simplified system compared to whole organisms.
• Discuss the importance of aseptic technique in cell culture practices and its impact on experimental outcomes.
  • Aseptic technique is critical in cell culture to prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms that could compromise experimental results. By maintaining a sterile environment when handling cultures, researchers ensure that only the intended cells grow and that their data remains valid. Contamination can lead to misleading results and affect the reproducibility of experiments, highlighting the need for rigorous aseptic protocols in all cell culture work.
• Evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding the use of cell culture in research, particularly regarding human-derived cell lines.
  • The use of human-derived cell lines in research raises important ethical considerations, particularly regarding consent and the sourcing of biological materials. Researchers must ensure that cells are obtained ethically, with informed consent from donors when applicable. Moreover, as we increasingly rely on these cultures for advancements in medicine and biotechnology, it’s essential to maintain transparency about how these cells are used and address any concerns related to commercialization or potential exploitation of human tissues. Balancing scientific progress with ethical responsibilities is crucial for maintaining public trust in biotechnological research.

Related terms

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

Aseptic Technique: A set of practices used in laboratories to prevent contamination of cultures by pathogens or other unwanted microorganisms.

Bioreactor: A vessel or container used for growing cells or microorganisms under controlled conditions, often used for large-scale production of biological products.