OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is tissue culture used for in scientific research?

1. To study plant growth only

2. To treat burn victims with skin grafts

3. To enhance genetic engineering

4. To produce vaccines for diseases

The correct answer is: To treat burn victims with skin grafts

Tissue culture is a technique that involves growing cells, tissues, or organs in a controlled environment outside of their natural biological context. It is used widely in scientific research for various applications, including medical treatments, genetic engineering, and vaccine production. The option related to treating burn victims with skin grafts is appropriate because tissue culture can be employed to grow skin cells that can then be used to create grafts for patients who have suffered severe burns. This approach allows for the regeneration of skin tissues and promotes healing, making it a vital resource in regenerative medicine. The other applications, while relevant to tissue culture, are not exclusive to this technique in the context of scientific research. For instance, studying plant growth can certainly employ tissue culture but is not limited to it; a variety of other methods and conditions can also be used to study plant physiology. Enhancing genetic engineering often involves tissue culture as a potential method, but it is just one aspect of a broader array of genetic manipulation techniques. Similarly, tissue culture can be used in the production of vaccines, but this encompasses a multitude of processes for different types of vaccines, and it is not the sole focus of tissue culture. Thus, the specific application in treating burn victims stands out as a direct and impactful use of