Download THE CELL THEORY

FAQs
Isolation & Growth of Cells
Course Name:
Zoology
1st Year Undergraduate
Model 1 UGC Syllabus
Paper No. & Title:
Z 102 B
Cell Biology
Topic No. & Title:
Topic - 4
Isolation & Growth of Cells
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FAQs :Q1. What is tissue culture?
A1. Tissue culture is often a generic term that refers to both organ
culture and cell culture and the terms are often used interchangeably.
Q2. Why are CO2 incubators required for cell growth?
A2. The cells are grown in an atmosphere of 5-10% CO2 because the
medium used is buffered with sodium bicarbonate/carbonic acid and the
pH must be strictly maintained. Culture flasks should have loosened
caps to allow for sufficient gas exchange.
Q3. Which vessels should be used for monolayer cell growth and
culture?
A3. For monolayer cultures, a nontoxic, biologically inert, and optically
transparent surface that will allow cells to attach and allow movement
for growth should be used. The most suitable vessels are speciallytreated polystyrene plastic which are sterile and disposable. These
include petri dishes, multi-well plates, microtiter plates, roller bottles,
and screwcap flasks.
Q4. Which vessels should be used for suspension cell growth and
culture?
A4. Suspension cells are shaken, stirred, or grown in vessels identical
to those used for anchorage-dependent cells.
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Q5. Why media should be supplemented with serum?
A5. Serum contains growth factors, which promote cell proliferation,
and adhesion factors and anti-trypsin activity which promotes cell
attachment. Serum is also a source of minerals, lipids and hormones.
Q6.Why is cell counting done before culturing the cells?
A6. Counting of cells is important for standardizing culture conditions
and for accurate quantification of cells, as every cell line has an
optimum concentration for maintaining growth and viability.
Q7.Why is the cell viability done before culturing the cells?
A7. Cell viability is done to check the viable: non viable ratio of the
cells. Cells with high viability ratio should be cultured.
Q8. Why trypsin is preferred for cell separation?
A8. Trypsin is preferred for cell separation because:
(i)
It is tolerated by a variety of cells.
(ii)
It is effective on many tissues.
(iii) The residual activity of trypsin is neutralized by adding serum
or trypsin inhibitor (e.g. soyabean trypsin inhibitor).
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