Cell Lines and Cell Cultures Overview

A population of cells derived from a primary cell culture that can divide indefinitely. They often arise from mutations in the original cells.

A type of cell culture derived directly from tissues, capable of limited divisions, sensitive to contact inhibition, and resembling their original tissue structure.

Cells within a cell line selected or manipulated to have specific genetic characteristics.

Cells cultured in a 3D structure mimicking the original tissue density. Examples include spheroids, organoids, and scaffold cultures.

A culture where different cell types are combined to create a more complex 3D structure, mimicking the original tissue's organization. An example is combining epidermal cells and dermal fibroblasts.

Cells that require a surface to attach and grow, such as fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells.

Cells that grow in suspension without needing to attach to a surface, such as blood cells or transformed cell lines.

The process of separating cells from a tissue using enzymatic or mechanical methods. The choice of disaggregation method depends on the type of tissue and the desired outcome.

A complex mixture obtained from animal serum, often bovine, used in cell culture to support growth and survival. It contains proteins, growth factors, hormones, and other essential nutrients.

The process of slowing down the cooling rate of cells to prevent ice crystal formation during freezing. This helps preserve the viability of cells for future use.

A chemical compound used to protect cells from damage during freezing. It acts by lowering the freezing point of water and reducing the formation of ice crystals.

A phase of cell growth where cells are actively dividing and multiplying. This is the ideal time for cryopreservation as cells are healthy and robust

The phase of cell growth where cells have stopped dividing and are entering a state of quiescence. It's generally not the best time for cryopreservation.

A method for obtaining cells from a tissue sample. Useful when only small amounts of tissue are available. Explant tissue is dissected into smaller pieces, allowing cells to migrate and form a cell culture.

A method used to obtain cells from a tissue sample involving the use of enzymes, like trypsin, to break down the extracellular matrix and release individual cells. Effective for large quantities of tissue and when a high recovery of cells is needed.

A mechanical method for obtaining cells from a tissue sample. It involves physically breaking down tissue using tools like scissors, scalpels, or blenders. Used for large amounts of soft tissue when the size of the cell yield is not critical.

Cell culture provides a controlled environment for studying cells. It allows control over the chemical and physical conditions in which cells grow, such as temperature, pH, osmotic pressure, and gas levels.

Media used for growing cells in vitro (outside the body). It contains a rich blend of nutrients necessary for cell survival and growth, such as amino acids, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and minerals.

A pH indicator in cell culture media. It changes color based on the pH of the medium, turning yellow in acidic conditions and purple in alkaline conditions. This allows researchers to continuously monitor the pH of the culture.

A key component of cell culture media. L-glutamine is an essential amino acid that supplies nitrogen for various essential metabolic processes, including the production of NAD, NADPH, and nucleotides. It also acts as a secondary energy source.

A complex component added to cell culture media. It contains essential growth factors, hormones, and proteins vital for cell proliferation and survival. While beneficial, serum can also introduce variability and potential contamination risks.

A component used in cell culture media. It is required for the production of bicarbonate ions, which act as a buffer, helping maintain the pH of the media within a desired range.

A component of cell culture media that provides a source of energy for cells. Cells use glucose to produce ATP via cellular respiration. High glucose levels are often used in culture media.