What is a limitation of using cell cultures in research?

Cell cultures are invaluable tools in research, particularly for studying cellular processes and drug responses. However, a significant limitation of cell cultures is their inability to replicate the complexity of multicellular organisms. In vivo, cells exist in a highly organized environment where they interact with various cell types, extracellular matrices, and biochemical signals, creating a dynamic system. This interaction is vital for understanding physiological processes, as the behavior of cells can change markedly in response to their surrounding microenvironment.

Cell cultures typically consist of a single type of cell, isolated from their natural context, which can lead to results that do not fully represent how these cells behave in a living organism. For example, factors such as the interaction between different cell types, tissue architecture, and systemic responses are absent in a cell culture setting. Therefore, while cell culture can provide valuable insights, it lacks the holistic perspective necessary for understanding complex biological phenomena that occur in multicellular living systems.