In vivo

In vivo is a term used in biology and medicine to refer to experiments or measurements done in (or on) the living organism itself, as opposed to a controlled environment such as a laboratory or in a test tube (in vitro). The term is Latin for "within the living".

Overview

In vivo testing is often employed in pharmacology to study the effects of a drug on a living organism. This can include observing the effects of a drug on a disease or condition, or studying the drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

In vivo studies are also crucial in genetics, where they can be used to study the effects of genetic manipulation on an organism. This can include creating transgenic animals or using gene therapy to treat diseases.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of in vivo studies is that they allow for the study of the complex interactions that occur in a living organism. This can provide a more accurate picture of how a drug or genetic manipulation will affect the organism as a whole.

However, in vivo studies also have their disadvantages. They can be more expensive and time-consuming than in vitro studies, and there are also ethical considerations to take into account, particularly when the studies involve animals.

See Also

• In vitro
• Pharmacology
• Genetics
• Transgenic animals
• Gene therapy

References

In vivo Resources
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