Cell culture and virus propagation

Cell culture is the complex procedure through those cells is grown under controlled conditions, commonly outside of their natural environment. In practice the word cell culture now refers to the culturing of cells derived from multi-cellular eukaryotes, especially animal cells. Moreover, there are also cultures of plants, including viruses, fungi and microbes, protists and bacteria.

Small aliquots of virus are added to cell cultures and, following replication, progeny virus can be harvested and assayed. Viruses may be cell-associated or released into the culture medium. Accurate quantification (titration) and proper storage (usually at -70^.C) of the virus is vital.