NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 8 — 1 Historical Perspective
This chapter introduces Animal Cell Culture as the in vitro maintenance and proliferation of animal cells under controlled laboratory conditions. It defines cell culture as growing cells outside a living organism, contrasting it with in vivo. The text outlines the process of isolating cells from tissues and placing them in a suitable medium for survival and growth. It also touches upon the concept of a clone as a population derived from a single cell, noting the slow growth rate of animal cells and their vulnerability to contamination. The chapter highlights the essential requirements for optimal cell growth, including regulated temperature, proper substrate, and a controlled environment like an incubator. It emphasizes the significance of cell culture technology in various life science research fields, such as molecular genetics, immunology, bioengineering, and the pharmaceutical industry, and mentions its role in vaccine production and drug testing. A notable historical perspective is provided through the story of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell line, which revolutionized medical research.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — 1 Historical Perspective |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 344 |
Learning outcomes
- Define animal cell culture and its in vitro nature.
- Understand the process of isolating and culturing animal cells.
- Recognize the importance of culture media and environmental conditions for cell growth.
- Identify the historical significance of cell culture, including the HeLa cell line.
- Appreciate the diverse applications of animal cell culture in life sciences and industry.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| In vitro | Within the living organism. |
| In vivo | Outside the living organism. |
| Proliferation | Rapid increase in numbers. |
| Clone | A population of cells derived from a single parental cell, genetically identical. |
| Contamination | The presence of unwanted microorganisms, such as bacteria, that can interfere with cell culture. |
| Incubator | A piece of equipment that maintains a controlled environment (temperature, pH, etc.) for cell culture. |
| Osmolality | The concentration of solutes in a solution, affecting water balance. |
| Cell line | A population of cells that can be propagated in vitro for an extended period. |
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Practice questions
- What is animal cell culture? Answer: Animal cell culture is the in vitro maintenance and proliferation of animal cells under laboratory conditions, supplied with appropriate nutrients and growth conditions.
- What is the difference between in vitro and in vivo? Answer: In vitro means 'within the living organism,' while in vivo means 'outside the living organism' (in a laboratory setting).
- What is a clone in the context of cell culture? Answer: A clone is a homogenous population of cells derived from a single parental cell, meaning all cells are genetically identical.
- Why are animal cell cultures vulnerable to contamination? Answer: Animal cell cultures have a relatively slow growth rate (18-24 hours to divide), making them vulnerable to contamination by faster-growing bacteria.
- Who established the first human cell line (HeLa)? Answer: George Gey established the first human cell line (HeLa) from Henrietta Lacks.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Animal cell culture is the maintenance and proliferation of cells:
Explanation: Animal cell culture is defined as the in vitro maintenance and proliferation of animal cells, meaning outside the living organism.
Q2. A homogenous population of cells derived from a single parental cell is termed as a:
Explanation: A clone is a population of cells that are genetically identical, originating from a single parent cell.
Q3. The first human cell line established by George Gey was named:
Explanation: The HeLa cell line, established from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells, was the first human cell line.
Q4. Which of the following is an essential requirement for optimal growth of cells in culture?
Explanation: Proper substrate for attachment, regulated temperature, and a controlled environment are essential for optimal cell growth.
Q5. The HeLa cell line was derived from a patient named:
Explanation: Henrietta Lacks was the patient from whom George Gey obtained cells to establish the HeLa cell line.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary definition of animal cell culture?
Animal cell culture is the in vitro maintenance and proliferation of animal cells outside the living organism, provided with suitable nutrients and growth conditions.
What is the significance of the HeLa cell line in medical history?
The HeLa cell line, established from Henrietta Lacks' cells, was the first human cell line and has been crucial for numerous medical discoveries, including vaccine development and cancer research.
Why is temperature regulation important in cell culture?
Regulated temperature is an essential requirement for the optimal growth and survival of animal cells in culture, mimicking physiological conditions.
What does it mean for animal cell cultures to be vulnerable to contamination?
It means that their relatively slow growth rate makes them susceptible to being outcompeted by faster-growing microorganisms like bacteria, which can ruin the culture.
In which fields is animal cell culture technology used?
Animal cell culture technology is used in molecular genetics, immunological analysis, surgery, bioengineering, pharmaceutical industry, and for manufacturing vaccines and biopharmaceuticals.
What is the role of an incubator in cell culture?
An incubator maintains the correct pH, temperature, and defined osmolality, providing a controlled environment essential for cell survival and proliferation.
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NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 8 — 1 Historical Perspective. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.