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Tissue culture


Biology
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Tissue culture, laminar flow cabinet [Credit: © Punctum/Press and Information Office of the Federal Government of Germany]laminar flow cabinet© Punctum/Press and Information Office of the Federal Government of Germanya method of biological research in which fragments of tissue from an animal or plant are transferred to an artificial environment in which they can continue to survive and function. The cultured tissue may consist of a single cell, a population of cells, or a whole or part of an organ. Cells in culture may multiply; change size, form, or function; exhibit specialized activity (muscle cells, for example, may contract); or interact with other cells.

Historical developments

stem cells; tissue culture [Credit: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images]stem cells; tissue cultureSandy Huffaker/Getty ImagesAn early attempt at tissue culture was made in 1885 by German zoologist Wilhelm Roux, who cultivated tissue from a chick embryo ... (100 of 1,210 words)

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