Culture, in biology, is a growth of microorganisms or cells produced under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Microorganisms grown in cultures include bacteria, viruses, and yeasts. A culture of plant or animal cells is known as a cell culture.
Cultures require sterile conditions to prevent contamination, and a suitable culture medium (substance that provides nutrients). A cell culture will grow and multiply if the culture medium meets its nutritional needs. If the primary culture becomes too crowded, the scientist can transfer part of the cells to a secondary culture. Cells ordinarily divide only a limited number of times and then die. Occasionally, however, a mutation occurs that enables them to grow indefinitely.
Cell cultures show how cells grow and function normally and thus help scientists understand more about cell abnormalities that occur in cancer and other diseases. Cultures of microorganisms help doctors diagnose diseases. For example, bacteria or viruses found in mucus or body tissue can be grown in a culture for identification. Cultures also are used to produce antibiotics, vaccines, and other drugs.
