Cell culture is a laboratory technique used to grow and maintain cells outside their natural environment. This process allows scientists to study the behavior, growth, and characteristics of cells in a controlled setting. Commonly used in research, cell culture can involve various types of cells, including animal cells, plant cells, and microbial cells. In cell culture, cells are placed in a nutrient-rich medium that provides essential nutrients and growth factors. This environment mimics the conditions cells would experience in living organisms, enabling researchers to conduct experiments, test drugs, and develop vaccines. Cell culture is crucial in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and genetics.