Write a detailed account of application of cell culture.
Cell culture technology has gained a dominant position in many branches of life science research. It helps to study the basis of regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and product formation in controlled conditions.
Animal cell culture serves as a model system for studying the interactions between cells and disease-causing agents as well as their drugs. This helps in understanding disease mechanisms and testing potential treatments.
Cell culture is a convenient and economic tool for virus research. It has become particularly important for vaccine production on a large scale, especially with the growing need for viral vaccines.
Cell culture technology acts as a production house for various medically important protein pharmaceuticals. It plays an important role in the research and development of drugs and helps improve the health and quality of life of patients suffering from diseases like cancer and genetic disorders.
This technology has emerged as a valuable tool in diverse areas including molecular genetics, immunological analysis, gene therapy, bioengineering, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Explanation
The answer is derived from Section 8.8 'APPLICATIONS OF ANIMAL CELL CULTURE' and the introductory paragraphs of the chapter. The textbook explicitly lists four main applications: model system for studying cell-disease interactions, virus research, vaccine production, and production of protein pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the introduction mentions applications in molecular genetics, immunological analysis, surgery, bioengineering, pharmaceutical industry, and gene therapy. The answer also incorporates the point about cell culture's role in drug development and improving patient health for diseases like cancer and genetic disorders.