The following generic data was collected for the growth of harvested chondrocyte

Question

The following generic data was collected for the growth of harvested chondrocytes in culture. After 112 hours, the cells ceased to proliferate

Time (hr) cell#

0    5.0x10^4

36 1.0x10^5

56 1.5x10^5

72 2.0x10^5

....... .........

112 4.25x10^5

Use this information to help calculate the following values.

a.) Please provide an estimate for the typical size of cells and range of sizes for cells in the body.

b.) Calculate the minimal number of chondrocytes required to grow a graft that would occupy a site with dimensions 3 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm.

Explanation / Answer

Most human cells have the size range of 2-120 microns. The platelets are ~2 um, RBCs are of ~3 um x ~8 um, neutrophils typically 8-10 um, lymphocytes come around 6-12 um in size, fibroblasts 10-15 um, osteocytes ~10-20 um, chondrocytes and liver cells ~20 um, macrophages are of ~20-80 um in size, hematopoietic stem cells ~30-40 um and adipocytes filled with stored lipid are typically 70-120 um in diameter. Neurons range from 4-120 um in diameter with axonal processes varying between ~0.1-20 um in diameter. The "average" tissue cell, is probably ~20 microns in diameter.

The volume of chondrocytes can be assumed to be around 4000 um3 = 4 mm3.
The given patch of graft = 3 x 2 x 1 = 6 cm3 = 6000mm3

So total no. of chondrocytes required to fill the graft = 6000 / 4 = 1500 cells.

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