KA 2: experimentation: experimental design: in vivo and in vitro studies

Question 1

what does the term “in vitro” refer to?

Answer 1

the technique of performing a given procedure in a controlled environment outside of a living organism

Question 2

give examples of cells “in vitro”

Answer 2

• cells growing in culture medium
• proteins in solution
• purified oraganelles

Question 3

what does the term “in vivo” mean

Answer 3

refers to experimentation using a whole, living

Question 4

give examples of in vivo studies

Answer 4

• drug trials
• the independent variable is not directly controlled by the investigator, for ethical or logistical reasons

Question 5

give advantages and disadvantages of in vitro studies

Answer 5

• less expensive
• less time consuming
• less precise
• the independent variable is not directly controlled by the investigator, for ethical or logistical reasons

Question 6

give advantages and disadvantages of in vivo studies

Answer 6

• more precise
• accurately represent the in vivo situation
• expensive
• more time-consuming