Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Tumour cells, representing uncontrolled cellular proliferation, are a hallmark of cancer. Understanding their behaviour is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies. Cell culture, a fundamental technique in biological research, allows for the growth of cells *in vitro*, providing a controlled environment to study tumour cell biology. This has revolutionized cancer research, enabling investigations into tumour progression, drug screening, and personalized medicine. The ability to maintain and manipulate tumour cells in culture is pivotal for advancing our understanding and treatment of this complex disease.
Understanding Tumour Cells
Normal cells exhibit controlled growth and division, responding to signals that regulate their proliferation. Tumour cells, however, bypass these regulatory mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled growth and the formation of masses known as tumours. Key characteristics of tumour cells include:
- Loss of Contact Inhibition: Normal cells stop dividing when they come into contact with each other. Tumour cells continue to proliferate even when densely packed.
- Genetic Instability: Tumour cells accumulate mutations, leading to genomic instability and further uncontrolled growth.
- Angiogenesis: Tumour cells stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to supply nutrients and oxygen to the growing tumour.
- Metastasis: The ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant sites (metastasis) is a defining characteristic of malignant tumours.
Tumour Cell Culture: Types and Techniques
Tumour cell culture involves growing tumour cells *in vitro* under controlled conditions. There are two main types of tumour cell cultures:
Primary Cell Cultures
These are directly derived from tumour tissue. They have a limited lifespan, typically undergoing senescence after a few passages. They closely resemble the original tumour cells but are difficult to maintain long-term.
Established Cell Lines
These are immortalized cells that can proliferate indefinitely. They are derived from either primary cultures or directly from tumours. Established cell lines are easier to maintain and provide a consistent source of cells for research. Examples include HeLa cells (cervical cancer) and MCF-7 cells (breast cancer).
Culture Media and Conditions
Successful tumour cell culture requires appropriate culture media and conditions. Key components include:
- Basal Media: Provides essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals (e.g., DMEM, RPMI 1640).
- Serum: Contains growth factors and hormones necessary for cell proliferation (e.g., Fetal Bovine Serum - FBS).
- Antibiotics: Prevent bacterial contamination (e.g., Penicillin, Streptomycin).
- pH and Temperature Control: Maintaining a pH of 7.2-7.4 and a temperature of 37°C is crucial for optimal growth.
- CO2 Control: Typically 5% CO2 is maintained to buffer the media.
Applications of Tumour Cell Cultures
Tumour cell cultures have numerous applications in cancer research and medicine:
- Drug Screening: Testing the efficacy of potential anti-cancer drugs *in vitro*.
- Tumour Biology Studies: Investigating the mechanisms of tumour growth, invasion, and metastasis.
- Personalized Medicine: Testing drug sensitivity of a patient’s tumour cells to identify the most effective treatment.
- Gene Therapy Research: Developing and testing gene therapy approaches for cancer.
- Immunotherapy Research: Studying the interaction between tumour cells and the immune system.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug Screening | Rapidly assess the cytotoxic effects of various compounds on tumour cells. |
| Personalized Medicine | Determine the best treatment option for a specific patient based on their tumour’s response to drugs *in vitro*. |
| Basic Research | Investigate the molecular mechanisms driving tumour development and progression. |
Conclusion
Tumour cell culture is an indispensable tool in cancer research, providing a controlled environment to study the complex biology of cancer cells. From understanding the fundamental characteristics of tumour cells to developing novel therapies, cell culture plays a critical role. Continued advancements in cell culture techniques, including 3D cell culture and organoids, promise to further enhance our ability to model and combat this devastating disease. The future of cancer research is inextricably linked to the continued refinement and application of *in vitro* tumour cell culture systems.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.