The spelling of the "NIH 3T3 Cell" is quite straightforward, but it may be confusing for those who are not familiar with scientific nomenclature. The acronym "NIH" refers to the National Institutes of Health, an organization based in the United States that performs medical research. The numbers 3 and T3 signify the type of cell line used in this research. The correct pronunciation of NIH 3T3 Cell is nɪh tri shyu tʌrɪ sɛl.
NIH 3T3 Cell refers to a cell line derived from mouse embryonic fibroblasts that were originally cultured in 1962 by Harry Tischler and Howard Green at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. These cells have since become widely used in biomedical research due to their robustness and ability to rapidly divide.
The NIH 3T3 Cell line is classified as an immortalized cell line, meaning it can divide indefinitely when provided with appropriate nutrients and culture conditions. These cells are primarily utilized as a model system for studying cellular processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, and transformation. They have played a pivotal role in numerous scientific investigations related to cancer, genomics, signal transduction, and other areas of biology and medicine.
Characteristically, NIH 3T3 Cells exhibit a fibroblast-like morphology, appearing as thin spindle-shaped cells with elongated nuclei. They are diploid cells, meaning they retain the normal chromosomal complement of mouse cells. These cells have a rapid growth rate, doubling every 18-24 hours, which makes them well-suited for experimental purposes that require large quantities of cells.
Overall, NIH 3T3 Cells serve as an invaluable tool in biomedical research due to their proliferative capacity, ease of handling, and adaptability for various experimental techniques. They have significantly contributed to our understanding of fundamental cellular processes and continue to be an essential resource in scientific investigations.