NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 9 — 1 Stem Cell Culture
This chapter introduces the exciting fields of stem cell culture and organ culture, crucial areas in contemporary biomedical research with vast potential for basic and translational applications. Stem cells, defined as immature, non-specialized cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into various specialized cell types, offer hope for treating diseases lacking effective therapies. The chapter traces the historical perspective of stem cell research, highlighting their presence in various life stages and tissues, and their potential uses in regenerative medicine. Organ culture, another modern approach, involves developing organs using tissue culture techniques. The text emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific standards in clinical research involving stem cells and their applications in developing new cells, studying diseases, and testing drugs.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — 1 Stem Cell Culture |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 534 |
Learning outcomes
- Define stem cells and their properties of self-renewal and differentiation.
- Understand the historical development of stem cell research.
- Identify the locations of stem cells in humans.
- Recognize the potential applications of stem cells in medicine and research.
- Understand the concept of organ culture as a modern biomedical approach.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Biomedical research | Scientific research related to health and medicine. |
| Translational research | Research that bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications. |
| Stem cells | Immature cells with the potential to differentiate into specialized cell types. |
| Self-renewal | The ability of stem cells to divide and produce more stem cells. |
| Differentiation | The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. |
| Zygote | The cell formed by the union of a male gamete and a female gamete. |
| Embryo | An early stage of development of a multicellular diploid eukaryotic organism. |
| Regenerative medicine | A field of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged tissues or organs. |
| Organ culture | The maintenance or growth of organ tissue in vitro. |
| In vitro | In a laboratory setting, outside a living organism. |
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Practice questions
- What are the two key properties of stem cells? Answer: Stem cells have the potential for self-renewal and differentiation.
- Where can stem cells be found in humans? Answer: Stem cells are found in umbilical cord, placenta, inner cell mass of the early embryo, few tissues of foetus, and some adult organs.
- What is the main goal of regenerative medicine? Answer: The main goal of regenerative medicine is to regenerate tissue or organs using the potential of stem cells.
- What is organ culture? Answer: Organ culture is a modern approach that involves developing a part or the whole organ using tissue culture techniques.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is a key characteristic of stem cells?
Explanation: Stem cells are defined by their ability to divide and produce more stem cells (self-renewal) and to develop into various specialized cell types (differentiation).
Q2. The formation of an embryo from a zygote involves:
Explanation: The development from a zygote to an embryo involves repeated cell division, followed by differentiation of these daughter cells into various specialized types.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT a potential application of stem cells mentioned in the text?
Explanation: The text mentions developing new cells in vitro and organ culture techniques, but not creating artificial organs entirely without cell culture methods.
Q4. What does 'organ culture' involve?
Explanation: Organ culture is defined as a modern approach that involves developing a part or the whole organ using tissue culture techniques, essentially maintaining or growing organ tissue in vitro.
Q5. The ability of stem cells to divide and produce more stem cells is called:
Explanation: Self-renewal is the property of stem cells to undergo mitotic cell division to produce more stem cells.
Frequently asked questions
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are non-specialised cells with an inherent property of self-renewal and potency, meaning they can divide to produce more stem cells and differentiate into a wide range of specialised cell types.
What is the significance of stem cell research?
Stem cell research has enormous potential for both basic and translational research, offering possibilities for alleviating suffering from many diseases that currently have no effective therapy.
Where are stem cells found in humans?
In humans, stem cells are found in umbilical cord, placenta, inner cell mass of the early embryo, few tissues of the foetus, and in some adult organs.
What is organ culture?
Organ culture is a modern approach that involves developing a part or the whole organ using tissue culture techniques.
How can stem cells be useful for treating diseases?
Stem cells can be useful for treating diseases by developing new cells in vitro to replace damaged tissues or organs, studying the cause of genetic defects and diseases, and testing new drugs.
What is the difference between self-renewal and differentiation in stem cells?
Self-renewal is the ability of stem cells to divide and produce more stem cells, while differentiation is the process by which these stem cells develop into specialized cell types.
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NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 9 — 1 Stem Cell Culture. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.