An immortal cell is a cell that has been modified to divide and multiply indefinitely, allowing it to be cultured in a lab for extended periods.
Understanding Immortalized Cell Lines
Immortalized cell lines, often used in research, are different from regular cells that have a limited number of divisions before they stop growing (a process called senescence). These immortal cells are essentially "forever young" in a lab setting.
How Are Cells Immortalized?
- Manipulation: Immortalization involves altering cells to bypass normal growth limitations.
- Genetic Changes: This often includes specific chromosomal abnormalities or mutations.
- Tumor Origins: Many immortalized cell lines are derived from tumors which already have the capability for continuous division.
- Example from reference: According to the provided reference, “Immortalized cell lines are derived from a variety of sources that have chromosomal abnormalities or mutations that permit them to continually divide, such as tumors.”
Key Characteristics of Immortal Cells
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Proliferation | They can divide and replicate indefinitely. |
| Longevity | They can be cultured in a laboratory for long periods of time. |
| Source | Often derived from tumors or cells with specific genetic alterations. |
| Manipulation | Requires manipulation to bypass normal growth and division limitations. |
Practical Applications of Immortalized Cells
- Drug Testing: Immortal cell lines are commonly used to test new drugs and therapies.
- Disease Modeling: They help researchers study diseases in a controlled environment.
- Basic Research: They provide a consistent and renewable source of cells for various biological experiments.
Important Considerations
- Not Naturally Occurring: These cells are not found naturally in the body; they are engineered for research purposes.
- Potential Variability: While they divide indefinitely, they may undergo changes over time, requiring careful monitoring.
- Ethical Considerations: Because some are derived from tumor cells or human samples, ethical guidelines for their use must be considered.
In summary, an immortal cell is a cell that has been altered to proliferate indefinitely, making it invaluable in scientific research.
