Cell Culture and Growing Cells

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell culture and the growth of cells in laboratory settings.

Lysis Buffer

A solution containing detergents used to break open cells to release DNA.

Cell Pellet

A mass of cells that is formed by centrifugation after cells are lysed.

Adherent Cells

Cells that grow on the surface of a culture dish or flask.

Trypsin

An enzyme used to detach adherent cells from the culture surface.

Confluency

The percentage of the culture surface that is covered by cells.

Cytotoxicity Testing

Tests to measure the toxic effects of substances on cultured cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that is controlled and beneficial for the organism.

Necrosis

Uncontrolled cell death that can lead to inflammation.

Spectrophotometer

An instrument used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a solution to determine cell density.

TriPan Blue

A dye used to distinguish live cells from dead cells in cell viability assays.

MTT Assay

A colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity.

Bioreactor

A vessel in which biological reactions take place, often for mass production of cells or biological products.

Cell Density

The number of cells in a given volume of culture.

Working Cell Bank

A collection of cells that can be used for experiments, ensuring consistency and reducing variability.

American Tissue Culture Collection (ATCC)

A repository of cell lines and biological materials for research purposes.

Master Cell Bank

A stock of cells that is preserved for long-term storage and future use.

Batch Culture

A closed culture system where cells are grown in a fixed volume of medium until they reach the desired endpoint.

Perfusion Culture

A continuous culture system where fresh media is continuously supplied, allowing for the removal of waste products.

Cell Agitation

The process of mixing cells in a culture to enhance oxygenation and maintain them in suspension.

Cell Viability

The ability of cells to survive and grow under specific conditions.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through during its life cycle, leading to cell division.

Gaseous Exchange

The process of exchanging gases between the cells and the surrounding environment, important for cellular respiration.