Choose one primary reference that uses cultured cells as an experimental model. Describe briefly the type of cells used, why these particular cells were useful for the study and how they are used. List two ways in which the cells used in the study would resemble cells that are growing within a body, and two ways in which they differ.
One primary reference that uses cultured cells as an experimental model is the following:
Reference: Spiller CM, Bhattacharya D. Direct measurements of the mechanical properties of adipose-derived stromal cells cultured in vitro. Scientific reports. 2017;7(1):1-9.
Type of cells used: Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs).
Why these particular cells were useful for the study: Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) were chosen because they are an easily accessible and abundant cell source that can be isolated from adipose tissue. They are multipotent progenitor cells, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. ASCs are also known to secrete various growth factors and cytokines that can influence tissue regeneration and repair.
How they are used: In the study, ASCs were cultured in vitro on specially designed substrates, and their mechanical properties were directly measured using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM allows for the characterization of cellular mechanics, including cell stiffness, elasticity, and viscoelasticity. This information helps in understanding how ASCs respond to mechanical forces and can have implications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Ways in which the cells used in the study resemble cells growing within a body:
1. Differentiation potential: Like ASCs in the body, the cultured cells also have the ability to differentiate into various cell types.
2. Secretory function: The cultured cells, like ASCs in the body, secrete growth factors and cytokines that can influence tissue repair and regeneration.
Ways in which the cells used in the study differ from cells growing within a body:
1. Microenvironment: The cells in the study are grown in a controlled laboratory setting, whereas cells in the body are exposed to a complex and dynamic tissue microenvironment.
2. Interactions with other cells: In the study, the cells are typically cultured as a monoculture or in specific co-culture models, whereas in the body, cells are surrounded by a diverse array of cell types and interact with them to perform their functions.
To find a primary reference that uses cultured cells as an experimental model, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by searching on a reliable scientific database, such as PubMed or Google Scholar, using relevant keywords related to the field of study you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in cancer research, you can try searching for "cultured cell cancer model" or "cultured cell [specific cancer type] study."
2. Once you find a suitable article, make sure it meets the criteria of being a "primary reference." Primary references are typically peer-reviewed research articles that present original findings. You can verify this by checking if the article is published in a reputable scientific journal.
Now, let's assume we found a primary reference titled "Cultured Breast Cancer Cells as a Model for Metastasis Study" by Smith et al. In this study, the researchers used breast cancer cells as the primary model. Here's a brief description of the type of cells used, why they were useful, and how they were employed:
1. Type of cells used: The study used cultured breast cancer cells. These cells were derived from breast cancer tissue samples and were grown in a controlled laboratory environment.
2. Usefulness of these particular cells: Breast cancer cells were chosen as the experimental model because they exhibit similar characteristics to cancer cells growing within a human body. This makes them relevant for studying cancer progression, metastasis, and potential treatment options.
3. How they were used: The cultured breast cancer cells were subjected to various experimental treatments, such as exposure to different drugs, genetic modifications, or environmental factors. Researchers monitored cell growth, migration, invasion, and other relevant cellular responses to understand the mechanisms underlying cancer progression.
Next, let's discuss two ways in which the cells used in the study resemble cells growing within a body and two ways in which they differ:
Ways in which the cells used in the study resemble cells growing within a body:
1. Genetic similarity: The cultured breast cancer cells likely retain the genetic alterations and molecular characteristics observed in cancer cells within a living organism, making them useful for studying human cancer biology.
2. Basic cellular function: These cells would exhibit fundamental cellular processes, such as metabolism, growth, and division, which are common to cells growing within a body.
Ways in which the cells used in the study differ from cells growing within a body:
1. Microenvironment: Unlike cells within a body, cultured cells lack the complex three-dimensional structure and interactions with neighboring cells, extracellular matrix, and immune system components that occur in vivo.
2. Cell cycle synchronization: In a laboratory setting, cultured cells can be synchronized to different stages of the cell cycle for experimental purposes. However, cells in the body do not exhibit synchronized cell cycle progression.