Question

Which of the following is a primary cell line?

• A. Chick embryo fibroblast
• B. HeLa cells
• C. Vero cells
• D. WI-38

Hint:

Freshly prepared from tissue, only a few subcultures = primary culture.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Cell cultures used in virology are classified as primary cultures, diploid (semi-continuous) cell lines, and continuous (established) cell lines. The question asks which option is a primary culture.

Step 2: Chick embryo fibroblast culture is prepared directly from the tissue of a chick embryo and can be subcultured only a few times. This is a primary cell culture, so option a is correct.

Step 3: The remaining options are not primary. HeLa cells (from cervical carcinoma) and Vero cells (from monkey kidney) are continuous cell lines that divide indefinitely. WI-38 is a human diploid (semi-continuous) cell line derived from lung fibroblasts with a limited but extended lifespan.

Step 4: Hence the primary cell culture among these is chick embryo fibroblast.