The division potential of cells in continuous growth as compared to cells subcultivated after maintenance in stationary phase

Abstract Evidence is presented indicating that chick cell strains in culture have a limited survival time not directly related to the number of cell doublings undergone. It is suggested that the finite survival time is an expression either of a limited cell synthetic capacity or of the progressive accumulation of growth inhibitors or toxins with time in culture. Supporting evidence from other work with chick, mouse and human cell strains is discussed.