A cellular line, also known as a cell line, refers to a population of cells that have been derived from a single cell and have the ability to grow and divide indefinitely in a laboratory setting. These cells are often used as models to study various biological processes, diseases, and drug responses.
Cell lines are typically derived from primary cells, which are cells obtained directly from an organism or tissue. In the laboratory, primary cells are cultured under specific conditions that allow them to proliferate, and eventually, a single cell gives rise to a population of cells known as a cell line. This population of cells is capable of continuous growth and division in culture, exhibiting characteristics similar to the primary cells from which they were derived.
Cell lines have been utilized in numerous scientific disciplines such as biomedicine, genetics, and cancer research. They are particularly important in investigating cell behavior in response to different stimuli or treatments, as they provide a renewable and easily accessible source of cells. Additionally, cell lines can be genetically modified or manipulated to study specific cellular processes or to replicate the characteristics of certain diseases.
It is worth noting that each cell line has its own unique characteristics, such as growth rate, morphology, and genetic properties, which can affect experimental outcomes. Therefore, researchers must carefully select and validate the appropriate cell line for their specific studies.
