Anchorage dependency

Definition

Anchorage dependency is a characteristic of cells that require attachment to a solid or semi-solid surface to grow and proliferate. This phenomenon is crucial in the study of cell cultures, especially for understanding cellular behaviors and virus-host interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anchorage dependency is typically observed in most animal cells, including fibroblasts and epithelial cells.
2. Cells exhibiting anchorage dependency will not grow well in suspension cultures without a surface for attachment.
3. Loss of anchorage dependency can be an indicator of malignant transformation or cancerous growth.
4. In virology, understanding anchorage dependency helps in creating suitable environments for virus culture and isolation.
5. Certain viruses may alter the anchorage dependency of host cells, affecting how they are studied in laboratory settings.

Review Questions

• Why is anchorage dependency important for the growth of most animal cells?
• How does loss of anchorage dependency relate to cancerous cell behavior?
• What role does anchorage dependency play in the culture and isolation of viruses?

Related terms

Contact Inhibition: A process where cell proliferation slows down or stops when cells come into contact with each other.

Suspension Culture: A type of cell culture wherein cells proliferate freely suspended in the growth medium.

Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs): Proteins located on the cell surface involved in binding with other cells or with the extracellular matrix.