Cultured cell

Cultured cell refers to a cell grown under controlled conditions, typically outside of its natural environment. In the laboratory, cell culture techniques are used to maintain and grow cell lines. This process involves the use of a suitable container, such as a petri dish or flask, and a substrate or medium that supplies the essential nutrients (amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) for cell growth and survival.

History

The concept of cell culture was first developed by Ross Granville Harrison in 1907. He initiated the first animal cell culture by maintaining frog nerve fibers in a medium that included lymph fluid. Later, Alexis Carrel improved upon Harrison's techniques and introduced the concept of tissue culture, which involves the culture of cells from specific tissues.

Types of Cell Culture

There are two main types of cell culture:

1. Primary cell culture: This is a culture of cells, tissues or organs taken directly from organisms. After a certain number of divisions, primary cells undergo senescence and cease to divide.
2. Cell lines: These are cells that are immortalized and can be cultured indefinitely. They are often derived from tumors or cells that have been genetically modified.

Applications

Cultured cells have a wide range of applications in scientific research, medicine, and industry. They are used in virology to propagate viruses, in genetics for gene and protein research, in oncology for cancer research, and in pharmaceutical industry for drug testing.

Challenges

Despite the many advantages of cell culture, there are also challenges. These include maintaining a sterile environment, avoiding contamination, and ensuring that the cells behave as they would in their natural environment.

See Also

• Cell biology
• Tissue culture
• Stem cell culture
• Cell line

Cultured cell Resources
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