How is "cell culture" defined?

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The term "cell culture" is best defined as the process of growing cells outside their natural environment. This involves taking cells from a tissue or a living organism and providing them with an artificial, controlled environment—usually in a laboratory setting. This environment typically contains a nutrient-rich medium, as well as conditions that mimic physiological parameters, such as temperature and pH, allowing the cells to survive, proliferate, and function similarly to how they would in vivo (within a living organism).

Cell culture is fundamental in various fields, including biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology, enabling researchers to conduct experiments on cellular processes, drug testing, and the production of biological products like vaccines and antibodies. It is distinct from merely studying cellular responses or extracting cells, as those actions don't encompass the ongoing processes and conditions needed for cell growth and maintenance that define cell culture. Furthermore, while freezing cells for preservation may be a procedure used within the broader context of cell culture, it does not represent the foundational definition of what cell culture entails.

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