Cell culture is the process of growing cells under controlled conditions outside of their natural environment. Some key developments in cell culture technology include the use of antibiotics to prevent contamination, trypsin to detach adherent cells for subculture, and chemically defined culture media. Cell culture has many applications, including modeling basic cell biology, cancer research, genetic engineering, gene therapy, and vaccine production. Proper equipment, aseptic technique, and safety precautions are required to successfully culture cells.