Question

What are the differences between cells cultured in vitro vs. the in vivo cells
from which they were derived?

Answer 1

Cells cultured in vitro are classified on the basis of tissue of their origin, like neuronal cell, myoblasts etc. One of the major difference between cultured cells in vitro vs. the in vivo cells is that some cells that are not capable of further proliferation in vivo such as neuronal cells can be induced to divide in vitro to establish a culture. Also, the three dimensional architecture of the in vivo cells is not found in cultured cells. The hormonal and nutritional influences on cells in vivo is not present in in vitro cultured cells. Other than that, cultured cells in vitro are not capable of performing specialized function as the cells in vivo are capable of.