cellviability

Cell viability refers to the proportion of living cells within a population. It is a critical parameter in various biological and biomedical research fields, including cell culture, drug discovery, and toxicology. Measuring cell viability helps researchers assess the health of cells, the effectiveness of experimental treatments, and the toxicity of substances.

Several methods exist for determining cell viability. These often rely on distinguishing between living and dead cells based on specific cellular characteristics. Common approaches include assessing cell membrane integrity, metabolic activity, or the presence of certain enzymes. For example, dyes that can only enter cells with compromised membranes are used to stain dead cells, allowing for their enumeration. Other assays detect the presence of enzymes active only in living cells or measure cellular respiration.

The results of cell viability assays are typically expressed as a percentage, representing the number of viable cells relative to the total number of cells counted. Maintaining high cell viability is essential for reliable experimental outcomes in cell-based studies. Factors such as culture conditions, handling procedures, and exposure to toxins can significantly impact cell viability. Understanding and monitoring cell viability is therefore fundamental for accurate scientific interpretation and reproducible results.