What is the difference between in vivo and in vitro studies?

What is the difference between in vivo and in vitro studies?

In vivo studies are conducted in living organisms, while in vitro studies are performed outside of a living organism, usually in a lab.

Can you give examples of each type of study?

Sure! An example of in vivo is testing a drug on animals, while in vitro could be testing the same drug on cultured cells.

What are the advantages of in vivo studies?

In vivo studies provide a more accurate representation of biological processes in a whole organism, including interactions between different systems.

Are there any disadvantages to in vitro studies?

Yes, in vitro studies may not fully replicate the complex environment of a living organism, which can lead to different results.

How do researchers decide which method to use?

Researchers consider factors like the research question, ethical implications, and the specific biological processes they want to study.