Tissue culture is defined as a method of biological research in which fragments of tissue from an animal or plant are grown in an artificial environment in which they can continue to survive and function. The cultured tissue may consist of a single cell, organs, tissue, or protoplast. Cells in culture may multiply; change size, form, or function; exhibit specialized activity (muscle cells, for example, may contract); or interact with other cells. The term tissue culture is usually used in context with animal tissue, whereas the term plant culture concerns botanical tissue. Tissue culture also refers to the growth of tissue pieces (i.e., explant culture or whole organs—thus organ culture).

[Page 1144]The technique has found its application in both commercial and basic research areas and is ...