What is cell lines?

Cell lines are populations of cells that can be grown in vitro for extended periods, even indefinitely under specific conditions. They are derived from either primary cells (directly isolated from a tissue) or established cell lines. Cell lines are widely used in biological and medical research to study cell physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. They are also critical for drug development, toxicity testing, and the production of vaccines and therapeutic proteins. Immortalized cell lines offer a consistent and readily available source of cells, avoiding the variability associated with primary cells. Common uses include investigating disease mechanisms, testing drug efficacy, and creating models for specific tissues or organs.