culture A controlled growth of living cells in an artificial medium, often in a Petri dish. The cells may be microorganisms isolated and studied in a pure culture, or made to compete with each other under various environmental and nutritional conditions; or they may be cells from animal or plant tissue cultivated for studies of heredity and function. The culture medium usually contains water, gelatin, or agar, salts, and various nutrients. Related category • MICROBIOLOGY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |