Final answer:
Cultured cells are utilized in research to provide substitute hosts for viral studies, create medicines, test drugs, and understand cellular metabolism. The HeLa cell line is a prime example of an immortal cell line that has greatly advanced cell biology and medicine. Cultured cells support consistent results and long-term studies beneficial to countless medical breakthroughs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Using cultured cells in research is advantageous for several reasons. Cultured cells can be used as models to study cellular metabolism, drug potency, and the progression of viral infections. Cultured cell lines, like the infamous HeLa cell line, are pivotal in biotechnological advances, including the development of vaccines, the production of biopharmaceutical products, and the rise of regenerative medicine. HeLa cells were instrumental in establishing tissue culture as a reliable technology in cell biology and medicine. Moreover, these cells help avoid contamination issues that would arise when using primary cell cultures, which would eventually die and release inhibitory toxic substances.
Cultured cells are essential in providing consistent, reproducible results in various types of biological research. For instance, they are pivotal for the mass production of medical treatments such as antibodies and hormones. They also serve as a foundation for genetic research, understanding disease mechanisms, and responding to zero gravity in space missions. Cultured cells are so vital that they prove indispensable for countless medical advancements and research breakthroughs. In addition, the discovery of cells with defined growth conditions has enabled the production of immortal cell lines, which are invaluable for continuous, long-term study.