Knowra Cell culture Cell culture Cell culture is the growth and maintenance of cells outside an organism under controlled laboratory conditions. It enables cells to be studied, expanded, and used in research and manufacturing.
Culture medium : A nutrient solution or gel that supplies cells with water, salts, energy sources, and other growth requirements. Its nutrients, buffering, and supplements shape which cells can grow.
Primary cell culture : A culture established directly from cells taken from tissue or an organism. Primary cultures retain many tissue-specific traits but usually have limited lifespans.
Cell-based assay : An experimental test that measures a biological response in living or fixed cells. Cultures allow controlled tests of drug effects, toxicity, and cellular function.
HeLa : An immortal human cell line derived from a cervical tumor sampled from Henrietta Lacks in 1951. HeLa illustrates the scientific reach and ethical history of widely shared human cell lines.
Organoid culture : The cultivation of three-dimensional cell structures that model selected features of organs. Organoids improve tissue-like organization but still omit many whole-organ interactions.
Aseptic technique : Procedures that prevent unwanted microorganisms from contaminating laboratory materials and cultures. Sterile handling protects cultures from bacteria, fungi, and cross-contamination.
Cell line : A population of cells maintained in culture through repeated growth and transfer. Cell lines offer reproducible material, though their traits can diverge from original tissue.
Monoclonal antibody : An antibody population produced from one clone and directed against a single target site. Mammalian cell cultures are widely used to manufacture therapeutic antibodies.
Henrietta Lacks : An African American woman whose cervical tumor cells became the HeLa cell line without her knowledge or consent. Her case shaped public discussion of consent, tissue ownership, and research benefit.
Organ-on-a-chip : A microfluidic device that uses living cells to model selected functions of an organ. These systems add controlled flow and tissue interfaces to conventional culture models.
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