Cell Culturing

Question 1

Animal culture technique:

Answer 1

1. Tissue is minced
2. Enzymes are used to separate the tissues into individual cells.
3. Cells are placed inoculated into a fresh culture medium with vitamins and organic compounds to allow the heterotrophic cell to grow.
4. Culture medium is then placed into the correct conditions with the right pH and temperature where the cells will start to grow on the surface of the culture medium.
5. From here the cells can either be cryopreserved for later use or they can be further separated using enzyme and then placed into bottles for experimentation and modification/observation.

Question 2

Plant cell culture technique:

Answer 2

1. A tissue sample is taken from any area on the plant and is washed in alcohol before then being separated into individual cells or smaller clumps.
2. The sample is placed in a culture medium under the right conditions which forms an undifferentiated callus.
3. The callus then can be separated using enzymes which can then be cultured individually.
4. Further culturing can result in a whole or part of a new plant growing.

Question 3

Limitations of cell culturing

Answer 3

1. Requires the correct ingredients to promote cell growth and all cells require slightly different ingredients.
2. Water availability, temperature need to be maintained.
3. The medium needs oxygen available unless growing a monolayer.
4. Sterile conditions are required such as using 70% ethanol to wipe down the container and tools before use along with performing the culturing laminar flow cabinet which is exposed to UV light when not in use, otherwise, microorganisms may grow in place of the intended cells.
5. Cost of production