Cell lines

A cell line is a homogeneous population of cells that have been selected and cultured in the laboratory for their ability to divide indefinitely. The cells in a cell line are genetically identical and have the same structural and functional characteristics. They can be used to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in various diseases, as well as to test the efficacy of new drugs.

Cell lines can be classified into different categories, such as cancer cell lines, immortal cell lines, primary cell lines and stable cell lines.

Cancer cell lines: are often used in research because they have unlimited division potential and are easier to culture than primary cells.

Primary cell lines: are cells that have been taken directly from a tissue or organ and grown in the laboratory for a short period of time.

Stable cell lines: are cells that have been genetically modified to express a specific gene or to resist a particular treatment.

Cell lines are an important tool for research in cell and molecular biology.